Contact Name: Sarah Brothers
Address: 340 SW 6th Ave.  Delray Beach, FL 33444
Phone: 561-279-2970
Fax: 561-279-2507
Email: sbrothers@bellsouth.net
Web site: www.milagrocenter.org

Program Offered:
The Milagro Mentoring Program provides site based mentoring on both a one-on-one and group basis through the STARS program.  Milagro’s mentoring program fosters nurturing, supportive, intergenerational relationships that are essential in building self-esteem in these children.  Through the program, the children are more able to adequately deal with the factors that classify them as “at-risk” with mentors who are trained to address and focus on emotional and educational deficiencies.  Milagro’s Mentoring Program offers an innovative facet to after-school programming by connecting youth with mentors, providing positive role models in children’s lives, which can enhance all aspects of their development and leave a lasting memory that is forever treasured.

Population Served:
The case manager determines the needs of the youth through parental/guardian contact, teacher conferences and input from the youth themselves.  All of the currently enrolled students are ages 5-10 and are considered “at-risk” due to different circumstances including, but not limited to low-income, high-crime area, single-parent family, troubled home environment, latch-key home, academic deficiencies and family history of substance abuse and violence. 

Mentor Responsibilities:
Mentors vary in age, gender and profession. Mentors interact with students during the academic enrichment portion of the program, helping with homework and tutoring and during the art and cultural enrichment classes, which include voice, pottery, percussion, theatre arts, photography, modern dance, drawing, yoga and three dimensional mixed media and culinary experience. Mentoring provides an opportunity for men and women to be a positive adult role model in a child’s life. The role you play can be that of an objective observer, an encourager, a fun companion or a good listener.  As someone who is genuinely happy to see that child each time you meet, you will convey a refreshing and upbeat message to the mentee, one that reinforces to the child that he/she is a respected and valued individual. 

Time Commitment:
It is always good to go into a mentoring relationship with a commitment of 6-12 months.  The school semester consists of :
• 20 weeks during the fall semester
• 20 weeks during the spring semester
• 6 weeks during the summer semester
An ideal situation is one where you spend 1-2 hours/week with your mentee for 6-12 months.  Also helpful is committing to a certain time frame (ex: Tuesday 3-4 PM).  Children feel comforted when the relationship is positive and consistent.