Healthy Start Volunteer Mentors provide young parents with support and information to assist them in making healthy choices for themselves and their children. Mentors spend 3-6 hours a month supporting the needs of their family by providing home visits, phone calls and occasional outings. Mentors are asked to commit one year to the program, but many stay with their match until their child is 3. Make a difference as a mentor.

Volunteers are screened through DSHS and the Washington State Patrol. Initial training is 12 hours and is provided over several evenings. No particular skills are needed, other than an open mind and room in your life to be a friend to a new, young parent. Volunteers must be at least 21 and have a valid Washington State Driver's License.

This opportunity is sponsored by: Healthy Start Parent Mentor Program

We need volunteers who are free at these times

Weekly

This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers

Adults (26-54)

Contact Person:
Karen Wilson, Parent Mentor Program Coordinator, (phone), (email)

View all agency contacts

Address:

16315 NE 87th St. #B-7 Redmond, WA 98052 This location is handicap accessible (See a map)

Directions:

We are located at the Family Resource Center in Redmond. From 520 take the West Lake Sammamish Exit and go left. At the second light take a right on 85th. At the second light take a left at 161st. In one block take a right at 87th. In half a block on the right hand side enter the Family Resource Center Campus. Park and look for Building B. Maps on the builddings and the center directory will help direct to suite B-1.

Web Site: http://www.childrenshomesociety.org

Miscellaneous Information

Are Youth Volunteers Welcome?
	No
What is the minimum age for volunteers?
	21
Are court-appointed community service volunteers okay?
	No
Can families with young children volunteer for this opportunity?
	No

Overall Experience   
a very rewarding experience

Our agency is organized and communicative with clear objectives to help young mothers of young children. I am gaining social awareness and friendship while learning some things about myself. posted on June 30, 2005

Overall Experience   
I get back even more than I give!

I grew up in a family that was active in community volunteering of all types. As an adult, I have had many special volunteer experiences, but none that give me as much joy and fulfillment as being a Parent Mentor! The "match" that Karen Knight, volunteer coordinator, made between me and my mentee has been great for both of us! I have gotten to see my mentee grow from a scared, pregnant teenager to a confident mom and college student! The times we spend together (2-10 hours per month, depending on our schedules) are fun, playful, serious, enlightening, encouraging, and very special! These mom's are lucky to have such a great program as a resource. This is something ALL new parents could use!! posted on September 6, 2002

Overall Experience   
meaningful

I have really enjoy working with the Eastside Healthy Start Program. The advisor, Karen Knight's enthusiasm and passion for providing this service is infectious! I came in wanting to make a difference and was given the tools and training to do so. This program is very flexible and the events are fun. The other mentors are very supportive and the participants are all different and bring so many different experiences to share to the organization that benefit all parties involved. This program takes dedication and work as it does in building any relationship, but the long term results to these children of teenagers is worth it. I encourage anyone interested in this program who sincerely wants to help young families succeed, to contact Karen. posted on August 28, 2002