Welcoming the Stranger is actively looking for a volunteer willing to enter into a mentoring “friendship” with Maxime. He lives in South Portland and is from Rwanda. He speaks Kinyarwanda and some English. (Jul 20, 2020)
Description: What does mentoring look like? That’s up to you and the family. Generally, mentors will take a hands-on approach to help mentees integrate into the community- such as including them in family outings & introducing them to the area. However, with so many folks currently practicing social distancing, mentoring can look a little different. Checking in regularly by phone or email, sending along info about local resources & advocating for your mentees when needed - these are all things that can be done while maintaining distance, if you choose to do so.
Through Welcoming the Stranger, mentors have access to a large network of individuals and groups already engaged with the immigrant community who can offer support and guidance if specific needs - housing, schooling, medical care, etc.- arise. As a mentor, your primary task is simply to be there for newly arrived folks who would otherwise feel alone in a strange world. You don’t have to be an expert, just a friend.
Interested in making a difference? We have a list of families waiting for mentors!
