The IRC in Seattle's "Friend of the Family" Mentoring Program matches newly resettled families with volunteer mentors to help them adjust to their new lives in the United States. Mentors act as a cultural liaison, an advocate and primarily a support person to help families navigate an unfamiliar system and environment. In order to better prepare mentors for the responsibilities associated with their position, the IRC in Seattle has begun a New Mentor Training Program, and bimonthly Mentor Meetings.
New mentor trainings cover material relevant to mentors who have recently become involved with the Family Mentor Program. Please note that at this time, all new mentor training sessions will be similar in content/structure. Mentors who have already received training may not benefit much from these sessions, but are welcome to come and share their knowledge with new mentors. In contrast, mentor meetings are mutually beneficial for new and experienced mentors. Meetings give mentors the opportunity to ask questions, interact with other mentors and IRC staff, and learn from each others' experiences. As a result of these dynamic group discussions, the "Friend of the Family" Mentoring Program is able to grow and improve. Meetings are also a vehicle for IRC staff to inform mentors about important updates or changes that have occurred in the refugee resettlement process.
Upcoming mentor trainings and meetings:
Wednesday, August 17:
mentor meeting at 6pm
Saturday, September 17:
new mentor training from 10am – 12pm
Wednesday, October 19:
mentor meeting at 6pm
Saturday, December 17:
new mentor training from 10am – 12pm
Wednesday, January 18:
mentor meeting at 6pm
Saturday, March 31:
new mentor training from 10am – 12pm
If you are interested in becoming a new "Friend of the Family" Mentor with the IRC, please contact us at Seattle@Rescue.org for more information!
Return to the IRC in Seattle
