Program Description
Making A Connection (MAC) is a new mentorship program of USCRI Albany aimed at matching vulnerable refugee youth ages 15-24 with positive adult volunteer mentors.
- Volunteer mentors will help mentees identify and work towards at least one social and educational or vocational goal.
- Mentors and mentees will meet at least twice a month: once as a group for a 2-hour session at the USCRI Albany office, and once individually for a 2-hour session at a public location convenient to the mentor and mentee.
- In addition, the MAC Program Coordinator will organize 3-4 field trips a year to engage youth in positive social activities and expose them to new experiences and opportunities.
Mentees
In its first year, The MAC program will serve 25 refugee youth ages 15-24. Eligible participants are those who have been in the U.S. for five years or less, with priority given to those who have been here less than one year. Mentees come from Burma, Afghanistan, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Iraq, Nepal, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, and other countries.
Mentors
Mentors must commit to one year of volunteering. Weekly hours will vary, though mentors can expect to spend 4-6 hours per month with their mentee. While everyone who is interested in becoming a mentor is encouraged to apply, favored candidates will be people who are immigrants themselves, are willing to learn about other cultures, speak the same language(s) as potential mentees, have prior experience or interest in refugee populations, and are empathetic.
For more information and to apply to become a mentor, please contact:
Sandon Mims
Volunteer Coordinator
(518) 459 – 1790 ext. 8021
