A Good Year for Mentoring
January is National Mentoring Month, and this year’s theme is, “Mentoring Works.” Mentoring can have an important influence on a person’s educational, professional, and overall development. Mentoring usually involves a formal or informal relationship that develops overtime between two people, a senior mentor and a junior protégé. Mentors provide wisdom, technical knowledge, assistance, support and empathy. They are more than just an advisor.
Are you:
- Thinking of returning to work, but fearful that your disability may get in the way of you being successful on the job?
- Looking for a job and in need of job search support?
- Stressed from your job search?
- Currently working and need support and guidance on how to retain your job?
Research on positive youth development programs has long demonstrated that youth benefit from close, caring relationships with adults who serve as positive role models. Today, millions continue to lack supportive, sustained relationships with caring adults. Mentoring—which matches youth or “mentees” with responsible, caring “mentors” usually adults—has been growing in popularity as both a prevention and intervention strategy over the past decades.
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, having a mentor can help you overcome these barriers. If you have ever experienced any of the above challenges and overcame them with the help of a mentor or on your own, consider taking another person with disabilities under your wing and mentoring them.
Mentoring is a rewarding activity that can include both providing and receiving guidance, direction, and career advice. It assures a mentee that there is someone who cares about them and wants them to succeed. A few benefits of mentoring include increased positive performance on a job or in school, job and school retention, a firm commitment to ideals and goals, and knowledge sharing.
We encourage you to consider participating in mentoring by finding a mentor or becoming a mentor. If you already have a mentorship relationship, the new year is a good time to think about getting an additional mentor, sharing your experiences, and providing advice to a mentee. Mentorship can be one of the best ways to a brighter future on your journey to financial independence. Learn about the benefits of mentoring, how to find a mentor and becoming a mentor yourself.
If you are wondering how you can give back and what help you can provide a potential mentee, take a look at Amina Kruck's success story and learn how the Ticket to Work program helped her and how she gives back and helps others with disabilities by mentoring them. One person that Amina helped become successful is Terri G. View Terri’s success story and learn how Amina helped her. Terri, a Community Work Incentive Coordinator (CWIC), now helps others with disabilities reach financial independence and find work.
Many people with disabilities have achieved their work and life goals because of mentoring. Are you ready to share your experiences or gain advice and support? Become a mentor. To learn more about the Ticket to Work program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 (V)/1-866-833-2967 (TTY) or email support@chooseworkttw.net.
Posted in Youth In Transition | 2 Comments »
2 Comments
I have gotten TBI 81101, MVA. I have a strong drive for success, have a four year college degree in Psychology. Am trying to write a biography with the numerous amounts of accomlpishments.
I currently work at a resteraunt as a busboy/barback, and I am 38:) I did work in Target for four years when I was living in NJ, now I live in Nokomis, FL for over two years.
I would like to locate steady employment?
doubt if you may be able to help.
Rick
Hi Rick, if you are a SSDI or SSI beneficiary age18 through 64, the Ticket to Work program may be able to help you. Through the Ticket program, you can work directly with an Employment Network (EN) or Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency that can provide you support services so that you can be successful. The goal of the program is that over time you are able to work enough to earn your way off of benefits. Your service provider will be committed to that goal! You can learn more about the program on our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/work. You can also speak with one of our representatives at the Ticket to Work Help Line to learn more! The number to call is 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday from 8:00AM - 8:00PM ET.