Our Story

We operate the Stand By Me Mentoring Program at Dunbar, El Verano, Flowery, Sassarini and Prestwood Elementary Schools, Altimira and Adele Harrison Middle Schools, and have an extension program at Sonoma Valley High School.

Presently, 365 children in Sonoma have a mentor in their life. Under the program, at-risk students are matched one-on-one with caring adult role models from the local community. Students are referred for a mentor when they are reading below grade level, have tardy, truancy or discipline problems, or are living in less than adequate conditions at home. Parental permission is required, and 'matches' are made based on the needs of each individual student mentee

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All potential mentors make a serious commitment to the program, and must undergo a series of safety checks that include a personal interview, fingerprinting, criminal background check, and three in-depth reference checks. Once they have passed the initial screening, mentors attend a two-hour training session, followed by continuing education and support offered through monthly Mentor Roundtable Workshops. The mentor and child meet for a minimum of one hour once a week during the school day, where the two spend time together in the Mentor Centers located on each school campus. There, they work on improving the student's academic performance, as well as building a trusting, caring friendship. As a result of this relationship, mentors help to boost student self-esteem through mutual caring and respect.

The Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance (SVMA) was established in 1999 as a public benefit, non-profit corporation to assist in the funding and recruiting of mentor candidates. Although we operate the program within the Sonoma Valley Unified School District, the source of all of our funding comes from grants and donations.

In an effort to strengthen bonds between mentors and mentees, we try to offer opportunities for field trips and social events that take the pairs off-campus, where some of the 'best mentoring' happens. Field trips are designed to challenge the individual participants through a supportive environment that fosters trust, teamwork, and self-confidence. Social events involve opportunities to bring mentors and parents together in a safe setting where food or entertainment and food is provided.

The Sonoma community is in the forefront of the Mentor Movement. In October, 2000 and October 2001, the Stand By Me Mentoring Program was awarded the distinguished Spirit of Mentoring Award by the California State Mentor Initiative, in recognition of the program's outstanding service and leadership in building a child's link to a better tomorrow. This award was presented annually (from 1999 – 2001) to only four school-based programs and four community based programs in the state of California.

Our hope is to be able to expand the program to serve students on the waiting list at every campus in the Sonoma Valley Unified School District.  With the help of this community, we have no doubt that we will accomplish that goal! Our thanks in advance for your support!

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