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ABOUT THE MENTORING NETWORK
The Mentoring Network, Inc. serves five rural school districts (Nampa, Caldwell, Parma, Homedale, Vallivue) offering school-based mentoring to at-risk students, grades 1st-8th. The goals of the mentoring program are to improve at-risk students attendance, grades, and behaviors through friendship building with responsible, caring adults (18yrs. and older) who meet with their student one hour, once a week, on the school grounds, during the school year. |
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Students are referred by school personnel and invited to participate in the mentoring program. Parents and school officials fill out mentor request forms, parent permissions, information sharing forms, confidentiality forms, and academic information forms. Interested mentors go through an application process, with background check, referrals, interview and training. Learn more about becoming a mentor... |
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The project is supported by a full-time Executive Director and a part-time Program Coordinator who work closely with each individual school counselor, mentors, students, parents, and communities.
| PROGRAM CREATION |
| The program was field tested for six years as The West Canyon Mentoring Project. Funding was provided by a 3 year State Dept. of Educ. grant and a 3 year Federal (JUMP) grant through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Prior to funding coming to an end in September 2005, a 501c3 was formed, The Mentoring Network, to continue the incredible need in rural school districts for one-on-one school-based mentoring services. |
Executive Director, Donna Shines
Donna Shines is the only paid employee of the Mentoring Network. She came to the program in 2004 as the project director for the West Canyon Mentoring Project in its final year on a federal JUMP (juvenile mentoring program) grant. At the completion of the grant, in the fall of 2005, she became the executive director for the newly formed non-profit, The Mentoring Network, Inc., replacing the previous name.
After finishing high school in Caldwell, Donna graduated from Boise State with a degree in physical education (k-12). Donna later earned an endorsement in special Education K-12.
Work experience includes the Boise Family YMCA programming/directing their fitness and wellness efforts for 10 ½ years followed by a manager postion at the Court Sports Fitness Center for 3 years. Donna then turned her attention to special education, teaching at Caldwell High School for 12 years.
Donna's unique background involves working in the fields of aquatics and fitness, management, teaching, and volunteering for numerous community organizations (Rotary Club, Lions Club, Special Olympics, Caldwell YMCA). She brings boundless energy and enthusiasm to the unique needs of this growing program.
Board of Directors
The Board meets monthly and assists with program planning and resource development. It participates in activities that encourage the success of mentors in developing positive relationships with one another and with their mentees. Many of our Board members are, themselves, mentors to youth through this Program.
Dr. B. Edgar Johnson, Chairperson Mary Ensley, Vice-Chairperson Bob Holmes, Treasurer Julie Van Matre, Co-secretary Sharon Frost, Co-secretary Donna Shines, ex officio |
Jill Holinka Chuck Randolph Darin Eisenbarth Jennifer Deroin Melinda Smyser |
| HOME | IN THE SCHOOL | BECOME A MENTOR | SUCCESS NOTES | SUPPORT US | ABOUT US | ||
Executive Director, Donna Shines at 208.459.2844. |