S.P.A.R.K. Mentoring

Be There for a Child in Need

It is estimated that there are at least 960 children (ages 4 through 14) in Hamilton County who have one or more parents in prison. S.P.A.R.K. (Strengthening Partnerships and Resources for Kids) is a new program designed to support this special segment of youth — the only such program in Hamilton County.

In a special collaboration with other area mentoring programs, family support organizations, and mental health agencies, CYC will work to meet the following goals of the S.P.A.R.K. program:

To recruit 600 mentors to work with children whose parents are incarcerated
To link 600 children of prisoners with mentors
To coordinate with existing support groups to provide a comprehensive mentoring plan

As with traditional mentoring, the only qualifications to be a mentor for S.P.A.R.K. are to pass a Hamilton County Standard Police Check and to attend a one-time mandatory orientation session. Then you will be prepared to help support kids in need of your friendship, leadership, and time.

SPARK Training
All new mentors are required to attend a one-time, mandatory Mentor Orientation Session. Topics include:

Overview of the CYC organization
Mentoring program goals and structure
Developing the mentoring relationship
Roles and responsibilities of a mentor
Qualities of a mentor
Issues related to mentoring such as money, personal boundaries, and working with parents.

You will receive a CYC Mentoring Program Handbook and other related materials. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and meet other new mentors.

All training sessions are held at the Mayerson Academy, 2650 Highland Avenue, Cincinnati and last no more than two hours. Please click on the calendar for session dates and times.
But the training doesn't stop there! Seminars and additional trainings are offered throughout the year, which focus on subjects such as motivating your student to do well in school. You will also be assigned to a Master Mentor—someone who has been mentoring students for five years or more—who will be available to answer questions and help you overcome stumbling blocks along the way.

As an added bonus, you and your mentee will be given a free membership to the YMCA. To receive a YMCA membership you must have been in a relationship with your mentee for at least 90 days.

To begin the S.P.A.R.K. application process, please click on the following link:
I want to be a volunteer!