PARTNERS IN INDEPENDENCE
MENTOR EDUCATOR/LEARNING PARTNER PROJECT
WAIM is pleased to announce the next series of Mentor training sessions for the Partners in
Independence Project (PIP). PIP is designed as a community solution to assist individuals and
their families in reaching economic security.
Who can be a PIP Mentor? Many different types of people make good mentors. WAIM is
seeking mature adults with life experience who are willing to devote at least one year to working
with a Learning Partner.
What does a PIP Mentor do? The volunteer Mentor creates a supportive relationship with
an adult Learning Partner who benefits from the Mentor’s guidance and experience. They
work together to improve the Learning Partner’s ability to identify strengths and barriers while
increasing his or her capacity to progress toward financial, housing, education and employment
goals. Mentors, after having been matched with a Learning Partner, develop a more profound
appreciation of the challenges many individuals face and the focus needed to bring about change.
What impact can I expect to have on someone as a PIP Mentor? After meeting with their
Mentors for several months, comments by Learning Partners include: “The best thing is having
someone to talk to,” “I’m more open- used to keep things bottled up but now my relationships
are more positive.” “I feel more empowered, more positive about my ability to help myself, more
able to meet challenges and more engaged.”
What’s the training like? The potential Mentor, wishing to share her/his experience and insight
will participate in five two-hour discussion modules usually completed in approximately ten
weeks. Discussion topics include The Mentor’s Role, Understanding Limited Resource Families,
Budget Coaching and Program Implementation. On-going Mentor support is provided through
regular monthly group meetings that provide the opportunity to discuss progress and concerns.
Although there are many programs and professionals already assisting individuals and families
facing difficult challenges, the role of Mentor, as coach, guiding a Learning Partner through a
thoughtful and directed process, encourages the Learning Partner to make more positive and
informed choices that will lead to economic independence and stability.
Become a PIP Mentor…. You could help someone change his or her life.
Please contact Adrienne Marks, Project Coordinator, at 860/423-8335,
for more information about WAIM’s Partners in Independence Project.
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