Mentor Program
Why Mentor?
Working with Others: Collaborating with other members of Canines for Christ is essential. It fosters a sense of community and allows for the sharing of experiences and knowledge.
Sharing Knowledge: Share your own experiences and lessons learned from your visits. Highlight memorable moments, challenges faced, and strategies for overcoming them. Emphasize the impact that
Canines for Christ has on the community and the joy it brings to both dogs and humans.
Volunteering with Canines for Christ offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, both human and canine. It's a chance to contribute to the well-being of the community while being part of a passionate group of dog lovers who share a common purpose.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor and would like to get connected with a mentee, contact Mary Louit. She is available as a resource to connect new gradutates and mentors. Please allow 2-3 business days for a response.
phone: 513-335-1233
email: newlhp3@gmail.com
Mentors Class: TBD
We are revamping our mentoring program. We want to make this process smooth and easy for mentors and mentees. Sign-up to learn about what is new in the program and if you are new to being a mentor.
Ascension & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
334 Burns Ave.
Wyoming, OH 45215
Guidelines & Process
Connect with assigned mentee within 48 hrs.
Present locations mentors are currently visiting. Coordinate with mentee a date, time, & location to meet.
Schedule first visit
a. Mentees should have vaccination records readily available on first visit.
b. Mentees should have leash 6-8 ft (no retractable leash)
c. Explain sign-in procedures of visitation site
Mentors have the option to bring their dogs on visitations with mentees.
Post visit, mentors are to give feedback to mentee.
Schedule second visit.
At the end of both visits, Complete the mentor program by checking-in. (Use the link to the left)
a. If there are any issues please email us at infocontact@caninesforchrist.org for any additional questions.
b. If there is a situation that needs to be reported, please fill out the incident report.
Tips & Expectations
When mentoring volunteers with Canines for Christ, there are several key qualities and behaviors to look for and encourage:
Regular Visits: You can encourage new graduates to schedule regular visits to places such as nursing homes, hospitals, schools, or community events where Canines for Christ provides its services.
Mentoring Requirements: To mentor new graduates, commit to scheduling a minimum of two visits with them. During these visits, you can offer guidance, share tips, and provide feedback on their interactions with the dogs and the people they serve.
Tips for Visits: When mentoring, emphasize the importance of patience, empathy, and attentiveness during visits. Encourage new graduates to observe the behavior of the dogs and the reactions of the people they're interacting with. Remind them to maintain a calm and positive demeanor throughout the visit.
Empathy and Compassion: Look for volunteers who demonstrate empathy and compassion towards both the dogs and the people they serve. They should be able to connect with others and understand their needs and emotions.
Patience and Calmness: Volunteers should exhibit patience and remain calm, especially in potentially stressful situations. Dogs are sensitive animals, and they respond best to handlers who are patient and composed.
Observational Skills: Encourage volunteers to develop strong observational skills to recognize subtle cues from both the dogs and the individuals they visit. Being attuned to body language and behavior helps volunteers understand how to best support the dogs and the people they interact with.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Mentor volunteers to be adaptable and flexible in various environments and with different individuals. Each visit may present unique challenges and opportunities, and volunteers should be able to adjust their approach accordingly.
Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for volunteers to interact with both the dogs and the people they serve. Encourage clear and respectful communication that fosters positive relationships and understanding.
As a mentor, provide guidance, support, and constructive feedback to help volunteers develop these qualities and skills. By nurturing these attributes, volunteers can become effective advocates for Canines for Christ and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.