Spring.  Sunny and cozy warm one day, snowing and frigid the next.  Not unlike the push-pull we experience when we're trying to make a decision.  Maybe you're thinking about becoming a mentor -- and  spring seems like a good time to do it -- but you have questions.  Is mentoring the right choice for me?  Do I have the time?  Will I be a good mentor?  What do I have to offer a child I don't know yet? Everyone who thinks about mentoring has these same questions.  I'd like to suggest some answers.

• Mentoring is the right choice for you if you like kids and you have a desire to make a difference in a young person's life.    
• One hour, once a week is all the time it takes, and we can help you find a way to fit mentoring comfortably into your busy life.   
• If you're a good listener and can be a consistent and supportive friend, than you'll make a good mentor.  
• You have lots to offer and your mentoring program coordinator will match you with a child who will benefit most from your specific skills and gifts.
  

All things seem doable in this hopeful season.  Call Marissa at Mobius to talk about becoming a mentor.  Like the spring sun, it will feel so good.

Thanks!

Andrea L. Torello, Executive Director of Mobius        

 Heritage Partners with Mobius to Support Mentors  

Mobius is pleased to announce its new partnership with Heritage Aviation in South Burlington.  Heritage is a general aviation facility that offers space for private aircraft, as well as a charter service of planes that it owns and operates. It has generously agreed to host Mobius' ongoing mentor trainings and workshops, as well as a mentor pair event in one of its hangars. 

"Heritage Aviation is excited to support Mobius and its mission to develop a culture of mentoring in our community. Hosting the new mentor trainings, providing site tours to pairs, and watching our own staff become mentors has been an inspiring process."

 -Julia Atherton, Marketing & Public Relations for Heritage Aviation (Matched as a mentor in April 2011!)

For more information on Mobius' partnership with Heritage Aviation, please visit the Mobius blog post.    

Mentor Support Series: Youth Substance Abuse 

On Tuesday, April 5, Mobius held an awareness event on substance abuse at Heritage Aviation in South Burlington as part of its Mentor Support Series. Mentors from programs throughout Chittenden County gathered at the event to learn more about causes, dangers and prevention techniques for youth substance abuse.

"The presenters helped me understand the kind of pressures that teens are facing in and outside of school. I don't believe that it will ever be easy to discuss these difficult situations with my mentee, but I am confident that when or if it comes up, I'll have the skills to help her make positive choices for her future." -Whitney Leighton, mentor through HowardCenter's Community Friends

"I believe that providing mentors for kids is a huge leap in the right direction for combatting negative influences on youth that could lead to police involvement. The more time young people spend with positive roles models, the better equipped they will be to meet the challenges of growing up and resisting peer pressure."
-Corporal Tonya Lawyer, South Burlington Police Department  

For more information about the substance abuse workshop and other events in the Mentor Support Series, please visit the  Mobius blog post.  

Mentor Profile 

Name: Paul Skarvinko  

Program:  Club Compass (Boys and Girls Club)

Town: Burlington  

Age of Mentee: 13

Referred by Mobius in: November 2010 

Has Been a Mentor Since: March 2011 

Favorite Activities: "We both like to do active things. Since the weather hasn't been great so far, we've spent time doing indoor golfing, bowling, and going out to dinner.  Once the weather warms up, we're planning to go hiking, fishing, golfing, and biking!"

Favorite Thing About Mentoring: "I think mentoring is helping my communication and listening skills, because someone who is 13 interacts and communicates very differently than someone who is 25, 30, 45, etc. and its nice to get that perspective. In turn, I think it's also been helpful for my mentee to interact with another adult in his life, and be exposed to a different perspective."
   

Mobius Card Survey for Mentors 

Are you a mentor who currently uses the Mobius Card to get discounts on activities with your mentee?

Please take a few minutes to let us know how we can make the 2011-2012 version of the card even better! 

The following link will take you to the Mobius Card online survey.
 

Featured Mobius Card Sponsors

Throughout the year, Mobius partners with local businesses and organizations to offer discounted prices on activities for mentor pairs in Chittenden County. For more information about our 27 Mobius Card sponsors, please visit the Mobius Card web page.  

Sneakers Bistro and Cafe allows mentor pairs to buy one entree and get a second entree of equal or lesser value free.  

Pizza Putt offers mentors and mentees the following discounts: 20 percent off on food, and $1 off entry to the play structure, mini golf, and their first game of laser tag. 

Bike Recycle Vermont provides mentor pairs with the opportunity to learn about bike maintenance together for free.

For more information, please visit the Mobius Card web page.   

Save the Date! 

Join us in May! 

Click on the links to RSVP! 

Tuesday, May 3rd (5:30-8:00 p.m.)

Mentor Follow-Up Training 

Wednesday, May 11th (5:30-8:00 p.m.)

New Mentor Training