Our Just Connections programs invite caring adults from Dane County to serve as mentors and build meaningful relationships with youth and families impacted by incarceration. Explore two active volunteer opportunities below.
Mentoring Connections Mentor:
Make a difference in a young person’s life (ages 4–17) impacted by parental incarceration through weekly connection and mentorship for one year.
Mentors and mentees plan their own meetups based on what works best for them, with mentors providing transportation when needed. Each pair decides together how they’d like to spend their time – whether that’s shooting hoops at the park, grabbing coffee and talking about life, visiting a museum, or cooking a meal together. Every match looks a little different, and that’s the beauty of it. It’s all about building trust, having fun, and creating meaningful moments of connection.
Requirements:
- At least 21 years old, valid driver’s license, insurance and vehicle
- Commit to meeting weekly for one year
- Good listening and relationship-building skills
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Volunteer Role:
Meet with your mentee once a week for about a year
Establish trust and a supportive relationship with your mentee
Encourage and guide them toward personal, educational, or career goals
Serve as a positive role model
Drive to Succeed Mentor:
Drive to Succeed is a collaborative mentorship program between Operation Fresh Start and JustDane, designed for emerging adults aged 17½ to 24 with past or present justice involvement. Volunteers play a pivotal role in guiding participants through personal growth, educational pursuits, and career development.
Requirements:
- At least 21 years old, valid driver’s license and insurance & vehicle
- Commit to meeting weekly for 6 weeks
- Completion of a background check and orientation
Volunteer Role:
Meet with your mentee once a week for about a year
Establish trust and a supportive relationship with your mentee
Help mentees define and work toward personal, educational, and career goals
Offer advice, motivation, and practical guidance as mentees navigate challenges
& Celebrate successes along the way!
A CALL TO MEN AND MEN OF COLOR
We have many boys and girls on our waiting list. Most of the young people waiting for mentors are boys and young men (disproportionately Black and Hispanic). Research shows that boys who men in their community mentor are 55% more likely to be enrolled in college and are 130% more likely to hold leadership positions (According to a study by the National Mentoring Partnership).
Families turn to Just Connections knowing that a caring mentor can help their child build confidence, make positive choices, and succeed both in school and in life. By volunteering, you can offer the support, encouragement, and guidance these youth need to overcome challenges, pursue their goals, and envision a brighter future.