Mentoring Connections is designed to invest in the future of youth in Dane County who are affected by parental incarceration.

Youth are matched with a caring, adult mentor, who spends time with them each week and develops a connection that can remain with both for a lifetime. These positive connections support youth and make a meaningful impact on their lives.

If you would like to enroll a child you know in the program or learn more, please contact:

Jaylin Stueber
JustConnections Coordinator
jaylin@justdane.org
Call: 608-256-0906

If you would like to become a mentor volunteer, please check out the requirements below.

Mentor Volunteer Requirements:

– 21 years old and up

– One year commitment

– Vehicle, vehicle insurance, and driver’s license

– Strong communication skills

People with diverse backgrounds and experiences encouraged to apply

If you would like to become a mentor volunteer, please contact:

Jaylin Stueber
JustConnections Coordinator
jaylin@justdane.org
Call: 608-256-0906

Drive to Succeed is a collaborative mentorship program between Operation Fresh Start and JustDane, designed for emerging adults aged 17 ½ to 24 with past or present justice involvement. The program lasts six weeks, and participants receive personalized mentorship that focuses on overcoming barriers faced by justice-involved individuals.

This program may be right for you if you are 17 1/2 to 24 years old with past or current justice involvement, living in Dane County, and would like to complete high school, attain a driver’s license, or would benefit from mentorship.

To learn more, refer someone, or for start dates, contact:

Trevor Strickler
Drive to Succeed Coordinator
tstrickler@operationfreshstart.org
Call: 608-244-4721 ext 141

To become a Drive To Succeed Mentor, please check out the requirements below:

– Have vehicle, vehicle insurance, and driver’s license

– Two month commitment

– Open availability as sessions will likely be in the evening

– Mentors/mentees meet every week in person for 1.5 hours

– Strong communication skills & ability to actively engage youth

If you would like to become a mentor volunteer or for mentoring start dates, please contact:

Jaylin Stueber
JustConnections Coordinator
jaylin@justdane.org
Call: 608-256-0906

Reading Connections offers parents whose children reside too far away for regular visits and opportunity to bond with their child and encourage their reading.

Each month, volunteers go to Correctional Institutions to collaborate with parents on this initiative. Parents are digitally recorded reading books to their children and the book, the recording, and a letter from the parent are all mailed to the children and their families.

This program has been temporarily paused.

Family Connections provides opportunities to maintain and strengthen relationships within families affected by incarceration.

This program keeps critical parent-child connections strong by organizations regular monthly visits between imprisoned mothers and their children. Family Connections goes to Correctional Institutions once a month.

We are currently working on getting this program up and running again.