Buddy FAQ's
1. What are the steps to get my child a mentor?
Application – Complete the online application.
Complete Paperwork – Once we receive your application, we will send you Consent and Background forms to complete.
Intake Call – After we receive your paperwork, we will set up a day/time to call you. Intake calls last between twenty and thirty minutes. It is a chance for you to ask questions about the program. It is also our opportunity to go over all your paperwork with you including any questions we may have regarding your child.
Matching Process - AFK staff will look at all mentors living with in a ten-mile driving distance. We will send over any and all available mentor bios .There may only be one bio, there may be up to three. We will ask you to review the bios and let us know if you would like the mentor to contact you. If the answer is yes you want to meet with the mentor, then we will go over your child’s buddy bio with the mentor before they contact you.
Match Finalization – The match is finalized only when both the mentor and buddy have met for couple of times and both feel comfortable with the match.
2. What is the eligibility requirement for my child?
* We currently serve children who have a wide range of disabilities, including ASD; ADHD; developmental, learning, and physical disabilities; anxiety; depression; and more. Several children we serve are referred by teachers, counselors, doctors, and other service providers.
* Your child needs to attend a school that feeds to one of the feeder high school for our Mentors
* We serve children 1st through 12th grades
If you have any questions about eligibility, please email us at afk@athletesforkids.org
3. How long will it be until my child is matched with a mentor?
Depending on the time of year, the next new mentor orientation/training and mentor availability within 10-mile driving distance, you can expect anywhere from 1-6 months.
4. Once my child is matched, how often do they meet?
Mentors are expected to meet with their buddy on a weekly basis for 6-8 hours a month.
5. The feeder high school for my child is not listed on the application, can I still apply for a mentor?
No. Our mentors are trained and they must attend one of the Athletes for Kids high school chapters in order to be matched. See the AFK web site for the most current list. If you have a question on eligibility please email us at afk@athletesforkids.org.
6. Is there a mentorship fee associated with this service?
Athletes For Kids spends approximately $1,200 per year to maintain and support each mentorship . We ask all mentee families for a nominal mentorship fee of $240/year, payable monthly, quarterly, or annually beginning once the child has been matched. Note: Full and partial scholarship are available for those who apply
Mentor FAQ's
1. How do I become a Mentor?
Apply – Submit the mentor application.
Complete Paperwork - Once we receive your application, we will send you background and consent forms to complete.
Interview and References - After we receive your forms, we will set up a day and time to interview you to get to know you better.
Orientation/Training - Every 4-6 months we have an orientation for all new mentors. This orientation is required before we match you with a buddy. It’s for 4 hours and we provide you with details about our program and how to be an awesome mentor.
Match with a Buddy - After orientation, we will start the process of matching you with a buddy. The match is finalized only after both the mentor and buddy meet for couple of times and both feel comfortable with the match.
2. Who is eligible to be a Mentor?
Applicants must attend one of the Athletes for Kids high school chapters in order to be a mentor. See AFK web site for the most current list. You must be participating in a sport. You must have a passion to impact the life of a child.
If you are a current freshman, sophomore or junior in one of AFK Chapter High Schools and play a sport you are eligible to apply the program. Please note: Freshman are eligible to apply, receive training, attend monthly meetings and volunteer at AFK events. However, the matching process may take 6-12 months
3. How long will it be until I start being a mentor?
Depending on the time of year, the next new mentor orientation/training and buddy availability for your high school’s chapter, you can expect anywhere from 1-6 months.
Please note: Freshman are eligible to apply, receive training, attend monthly meetings and volunteer at AFK events. However, the matching process may take 6-12 months.
4. I am a senior can I apply to be a mentor?
No, you can't apply. Our mentorships last a minimum of one year. If you are a current freshman, sophomore or junior in one of AFK Chapter High Schools and play a sport you are eligible to apply to the program.
5. My high school is not listed on the application, can I still apply to be a mentor?
Applicants must attend one of the Athletes for Kids high school chapters in order to be a mentor.
See the AFK web site for the most current list.
6. Once I get matched, how often do I meet with my buddy?
Mentors are expected to meet with their buddy on a weekly basis for 6-8 hours a month.
7. Do I need to attend the monthly training at my high school?
Yes, you are required to attend the monthly mentor training at your high school.
8. Why do I need to upload my covid-19 vaccination information?
For your buddy (or potential buddy if you are not yet matched). Most of our buddies in our program have a disability. Some people with disabilities might be more likely to get infected or have severe illness because of underlying medical conditions.
For more information on COVID-19 and recommendations for people with disabilities, please visit the CDC web site
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-disabilities.html
9. If I am not vaccinated, will I be allowed to be a mentor?
Yes you still can be a mentor even if you are not vaccinated. However, some buddy parents may prefer a mentor who is vaccinated.
To find more information on COVID-19 vaccine please visit the CDC web site https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html
