The Second Chance Mentoring Program

The Second Chance Mentoring Program is a comprehensive program offering one-on-one and group mentoring to formerly incarcerated individuals. The program will provide  healthy role models and social supports, and will encourage mentees to become positive contributors to their communities.  The overall goal of the program is to reduce the rate of recidivism in Rhode Island.

OpenDoors Mentoring Program Goals:

• Build positive social networks and supports for individuals returning from prison
• Expand community awareness and investment in reentry
• Improve access to services available to formerly incarcerated individuals
• 50% reduction of recidivism of target population within 5 years

Time Commitment
Mentors agree to meet with their mentees at least once a week for a minimum of one hour, or once every other week for a minimum of two hours each for one year.

Activities
OpenDoors will host monthly activities for mentors and mentees, as well as open hours for mentors and mentees to meet onsite at OpenDoors.

Training
Mentors will receive ongoing training and support by attending monthly sessions facilitated by the Mentoring Program Coordinator.

Support
The OpenDoors Mentoring Coordinator is a Licensed Social Worker who is available to work with you and your mentee.

Mentor Criteria:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Agree to time commitment
• Two years sobriety*
• No conviction in past two years*

*Can be reviewed on a case-by-case basis

A good mentor will also have the following skills and qualities:

• caring,
• good listener,
• strong communication skills,
• committed and reliable,
• non-judgmental,
• patient,
• empathic,
• positive and encouraging,
• engage in self-reflection and open-minded.

We strongly encourage individuals with a criminal record or history of substance abuse to apply to be a mentor.