TeamMates, Nebraska City - Mentoring Program

What is TeamMates?
TeamMates is a school-based, one-to-one mentoring program co-founded by Dr. Tom and Nancy Osborne. The focus of the mentoring relationship is for an adult volunteer to help build a positive relationship with the student to help them reach their full potential. Mentors meet with their student for one hour a week during the school day or immediately following the school day.
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What age of youth are involved in TeamMates?
TeamMates focuses on mentoring youth beginning as early as 3rd grade. Most matches begin in 3rd, 4th or 5th Grade. Currently students at Nebraska City Public Schools and Nebraska City Lourdes Central Catholic are matched with mentors. Mentors are encouraged to continue in the mentoring relationship until the student graduates from high school
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Who can volunteer?
Any adult who desires to make a difference in the life of a child by being a positive role model
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How can a student become involved?
Students are nominated for the program by a caring adult in their life. Typically this is a teacher, guidance counselor, parent or community member
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What are the qualifications for a volunteer?
Volunteers who care about youth and are positive role models are encouraged to be mentors. Mentors must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school degree or GED equivalent. Potential mentors attend an initial training session, provide three references and successfully complete a background check.
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Who do I contact to become involved?
In Nebraska City you can contact Stacie Higgins, Program Coordinator at 402/873-6343.
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How is TeamMates funded?
Each TeamMates chapter is funded locally by donations and the fundraisers that are conducted throughout the year. The average cost to support a mentor/mentee match is $500. The national average $600.
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What happens during a mentoring session?
Each mentoring relationship is unique. However, the sessions happen weekly for one hour and the focus ranges from helping with homework, or sharing a hobby or special interest, to simply sharing thoughts and ideas.
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How can I support TeamMates?
There are many ways you can support TeamMates and each way is making an important investment in the future. You can become a mentor, make a donation, provide in-kind services, be the host site for a TeamMates candy machine or encourage your friends and colleagues to be involved.
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Why mentor?
Mentoring is making an investment in the future. By spending just one hour each week with a student and showing your interest in their life, you can increase the likelihood they will graduate from high school and become a contributing member of society. Mentors help identify the gifts and talents of young people to give them a sense of hope and vision for their life.
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