ILA Mentor Project Roles

The Faith Partner’s (or Lead Congregation) Role

Make a two-year commitment to the project.
Identify Family Support Team Leadership (1 or 2 volunteers) see roles below
Provide $3,000 in Family Sponsorship funds. Funds will be held in a separate account by the Interfaith Leadership Alliance and used for rental deposits and other expenses needed to help the Family achieve its goals.
Collect donations, if necessary, of furniture and help the family move into their new home.
Build a Family Support Team based on specific families needs including but not limited to:

Mentors and advocates for each family member including the youngest children

Career enrichment resources (computer skills, tutoring, job search etc)

Life skills coaching (meal planning, budgeting etc)

Resource teams for childcare, health care, transportation.

Not pressure or require any religious activities

Maintain confidentiality about the Family

Have volunteers attend periodic training classes offered by the ILA and complete any required background checks

Not give money or gift cards directly to the Family

Update the congregation regularly with news of the Family’s progress

Role of the Leader

Two year commitment

Recruits Family Support Team

Interfaces with ILA coordinator and meets with other Team leaders monthly in person or by phone

Interfaces with congregation’s clergy and staff to keep them apprised of project

Interfaces directly with the case worker from the agency

Oversees the creation of the “family plan and budget”

Assures the $3000 has been raised before beginning the two-year partnership with the family

Oversees the congregations interfacing with the family

Other Roles

One-on-one mentors for each family member (ala Big Brothers/Big Sisters) (requires 2 year commitment)

Serve as general advocate and problem solver

Technical mentors to teach a specific skill (i.e. computer, GED prep)

Other short term volunteers

On call for transportation or “give mom a break”

Help with moving to home