Wonder, Inc. will offer training for potential mentors in October 2004. Men are especially needed. Here are a few facts about the program.
Features of the program: 

• One-on-one match with a child in foster care (6 – 12 years old)
• Each mentor (“guide”) leads his or her child (“explorer”) through activities involving music, the arts, sports, volunteer service, dining out and nature. Your commitment is approximately three outings a month for one year.
• During the first visit, each explorer receives a backpack filled with an activity journal, book and a t-shirt.
• During the last visit, each explorer receives a certificate of completion, a gift card and a photo album filled with pictures taken throughout the yearlong journey.
• Guide and explorer can begin another yearlong journey together (and complete a new activity journal).

Characteristics of a Guide: 

• At least 21 years old
• Genuinely enjoys children
• Enthusiastic
• Flexible
• Open-minded
• Able to listen
• Dependable
• Sense of humor
• Willingness to play

What Guides need:

• About 2-3 hours a week for 12 months
• A reliable car (plus auto insurance and a clean driving record)
• No criminal background
• Willingness to complete an in-person interview and background checks.

What Wonder, Inc. provides to Guides:

• 15 hours of comprehensive training 
• An exclusive Guide section on its website with activity planning resources
• Monthly conversations with a coach
• Activity reimbursements of up to $250 per year
• Informal gatherings for networking and support

Because of the possibility for conflict of interest, CPS employees may not be Guides.