Mentors become a trusted ally, assisting program participants to navigate the stressful demands of transitioning back into the community. For many program participants, having a mentor is key to their success. The goals of mentoring are as follows:

• Offer support, encouragement and motivation to an adult who has been incarcerated.
• Assist in accessing support services and overcoming obstacles and barriers to re-entry.
• Support developing skills such as budgeting and job retention.
• Help build self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Community engagement and safety.

Mentor Qualifications

• At least 25 years old.
• Emotionally mature.
• Stable lifestyle.
• Positive social and communication skills.
• Patient and flexible.
• Respectful of individual, cultural, social and religious differences.
• Sincere interest in helping recently incarcerated adults to transition effectively into our community.
• Minimum of two years sobriety.
• No arrests or incarceration in past three years for a misdemeanor or five years for a felony.
• Never convicted of a sex offense.
• Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Who are the Participants?
Program participants are at least 18 years old; the average age of current participants is 30. In order to be eligible for the program, they must:

• Plan to reside in Houston, Harris County.
• Have a determined attitude.

The majority of our clients are  non-violent offenders. Most convictions are drug, alcohol, forgery, or property crimes related crimes.
Finally, participants must be interested in participating in pursuing education and employment goals that lead to stable, living-wage employment.

Time Commitment
Mentors serve for six months to one year. The length of service will be determined by the participant, mentor and HLF Mentor Coordinator. Mentors will also attend a mandatory training and have the option of attending continuing education sessions. Mentors will communicate with program participants weekly.

Benefits To Mentors

• An opportunity to learn and share experiences.
• Help a person mature, progress and achieve goals.
• Contribute positively to an individual and to your community.
• Exposure to diverse individuals and environments.
• Training, group activities and mentor support.
• Learn about the justice system and issues facing the re-entry community.