Mentoring Programs - The heart of our programs for girls and young women has been that special 1:1 relationship made with a female mentor volunteer. The positive influence a mentor can make in the life of a girl or young mother can last a lifetime!

Become a Mentor Volunteer with Girls Inc - If you have 4 hours per week you would like to share with a girl (age 6-16) or a young mother, consider mentoring at Girls Incorporated. Girls Inc of Durham offers 2 excellent mentoring Programs; the Girl/Mentor Matching Program (for girls 6-16) and our Friends Program (for young moms and moms-to-be). Mentors are women who are 21 years of age or older. They are mature, caring women who are serious about their commitment to making a difference in the life of a girl or young mom. You may also consider becoming a "mentor for a day". We will call on you to bring an unmatched girl, or group of girls to a workshop or special event.

Girls Incorporated professional Mentoring Coordinators oversee the application, screening and ongoing training of all mentor volunteers. They are also available for ongoing support, ideas, or questions as they arise. If 4 hours per week is not possible for you, or you are 18 years of age or older, you may want to consider becoming a volunteer at one of our events. Click here for our Youth Volunteer application form.

All interested volunteers must attend an orientation training session- Girls inc. 101

Orientation Training Session - Girls Inc. 101

When: The 3rd Tuesday of every month (next one is May 20, 2008)

Time: 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Where: Girls Incorporated of Durham Office, 1-398 Bayly St. W., Ajax

Contact Person: Linda Curley, Mentoring Coordinator*

Note: Please call ahead to ensure orientation hasn't been postponed

Our Girl/Mentor Matching Program

(This program is offered in Ajax and Pickering and funded by United Way of Ajax-Pickering-Uxbridge)

Girls between the ages of 6-16 are matched with female mentors based upon mutual interests, personality traits, the experience of the mentor volunteer and the needs and interests of each girl.
Some girls live with their moms, some with dads, others with grandparents or other caregivers. All are experiencing some challenges and can benefit from the unconditional support and attention of a mentor volunteer.
Girls who are matched, or are on the waiting list for our mentoring program, can attend monthly workshops (one for girls ages 6-12 and the other for teens) as well as activities offered by Girls Incorporated of Durham. Topics vary each month and focus on such things that girls need to know such as: economic literacy, personal safety, health and well-being, and more. All are fun, interactive and teach girls the skills they need to become strong, smart and bold!

At Girls Incorporated of Durham, girls and their mentors can also participate in a number of special events held throughout the year. These include our annual Christmas party, Halloween event, parades, and our Thanksgiving of Friends Dinner. Our Mentoring Coordinator can also connect girls and their families to other services in the community.

Our Friends Program (for young moms and moms-to-be)

(This program is available in Ajax and Pickering and funded by United Way of Ajax-Pickering-Uxbridge)

At Girls Incorporated of Durham we understand that being a new mom is very exciting and also very challenging! If you are a young mom, or mom-to-be, the Girls Inc. Friends Program can match you with a mentor volunteer who wants to share the ups and downs of new motherhood. Knowing there is someone available at any time to answer questions, and spend time with, can make all the difference!

Young moms, their mentors, and their children, spend a minimum of 4 hours per week together doing things they all enjoy. They may attend a moms and tots play group, shopping, or a walk in the park.
The Girls Incorporated of Durham Mentoring Coordinator stays in touch with each young mom and her mentor, answering questions, providing support and ideas when needed.
The Mentoring Coordinator for the Friends Program is aware of the other programs and services in the community for young moms. She can help you find the right services for you and your baby.
If you would like to learn more about any of these programs, please call our Mentoring Coordinator at (905) 428-8111, or email us at info@durham.girls-inc.org