TeamMates - The Facts
November 10, 2011
Nishnabotna Chapter of TeamMates
What is TeamMates? TeamMates is a one to one mentoring program that matches caring adults with youth. Tom and Nancy Osborne founded this school based mentoring program in 1991. The goal of TeamMates is to see youth graduate from high school and pursue post-secondary education.
What is a mentor? A mentor is a caring adult volunteer that meets with youth on a weekly basis. Mentors are adults that youth can turn to for support and encouragement.
What is a mentee? Youth in mentoring programs are called “mentees”. Students may be nominated by parents, someone in the school, or have asked for a mentor. Having a variety of people positively involved in a child’s life provides the mentee with new opportunities and experiences that will help him/her grow and gain self confidence.
Where does mentoring take place? TeamMates is a school based program and the meetings between the mentor and the mentee happen at school.
What do matches do when they meet? Mentors and mentees begin by just getting to know one another, learning about each other’s interests, strengths, likes, and dislikes and talking about when they will meet and what they want to do when they get together. Once they have become acquainted and their relationship has developed, mentors begin helping mentees set some personal goals that they want to accomplish.
What is the Nishnabotna Chapter? Nishnabotna Chapter Board of Directors consists of Angie Lutt, Pat Gilson, Hallie Ferguson, Angela Halsten, Bruce Keim, Mary Lehman, Andrea Rexroth, Rhesa Lieding, Greg Warden, and Denise Stephens with Allison Rogers and Kathy Linke as coordinators for Hamburg and Farragut.
This is an exciting time! Mentoring has begun! Matches have been made and more are to be made. If there are questions about TeamMates please contact Allison Rogers , Kathy Linke, or a board member. We are committed to our youth!
