COVID-19 Mentoring Resources

CONNECTION IN A TIME OF
SOCIAL DISTANCING

Resources for Mentoring Programs

Virtual Mentoring Platform

To ensure physical distancing does not mean social disconnection, MENTOR and iCouldBe are launching the Virtual Mentoring Portal. The Virtual Mentoring Portal is a free, safe and monitored mentoring platform for mentors and mentees to continue their relationships while they may be separated due to COVID-19.

Learn More

E-Mentoring

As mentoring programs begin to implement e-mentoring services, they can utilize best practices from the E-Mentoring Guide, a supplement to MENTOR's Elements of Effective Practice in Mentoring™.

E-Mentoring Guide

E-Mentoring Checklist

Webinars

As a resource to continue to promote mentoring best practices throughout Nebraska, MENTOR Nebraska is offering several webinars at no cost to mentoring programs.

Register

Technical Assistance

The National Mentoring Resource Center (NMRC) provides individualized no-cost technical assistance to organizations to support the implementation or improvement of specific youth mentoring practices. Programs can access up to 50 hours of no-cost consultation by expert staff. MENTOR Nebraska has provided technical assistance to dozens of mentoring programs across the state, and around the nation, to create and sustain high-quality mentoring activities.  Some recent examples of technical assistance provided to mentoring programs include:

  • Development and revision of mentoring training materials
  • Guidance and consultation on mentor recruitment plans and strategies
  • Analysis of mentor screening processes
  • Analysis of match support processes
  • In-depth evaluation planning

Apply for Technical Assistance

Additional Resources

Resources for Mentors

Activities to do with Your Mentee

Mentoring Tips from MENTOR National

Be mindful. As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, it may trigger trauma for young people impacted by the virus or by the news surrounding the pandemic. Let your mentee know that you see them and are there for them.

Be intentional about preserving continuity in the relationship.

  • Acknowledge what is going on and engage in a dialogue about the pandemic.
  • Understand and honor your emotions and the emotions of your mentee, including the range of reactions that may be expressed.
  • Commit to self-care. Know that it is okay to take a break from the news and discussions about the virus as needed to manage anxiety or other responses to the situation.

Be in it together. Let your mentee know that you are in this together and are here to help.

  • Follow the latest on COVID-19 on the CDC’s website.
  • Follow the guidelines of your mentoring program, institution, or the guardians of your mentee around how to connect and communicate virtually with your mentee if in-person connections are suspended. Decide on clear boundaries and agreements about how you will connect with your mentee when meeting in-person and continue to follow the latest health guidelines and recommendations about where and how to gather.

Be communicative. Healthy and supportive relationships are crucial during this time.

  • If your mentoring program remains open and you feel comfortable, continue to show up for them in person – young people need our support now more than ever!
  • If in-person meetings must pause, follow the appropriate path:
    • If you are permitted/able to communicate virtually with your mentee:
      • Let your mentee know you need to temporarily pause seeing them in person but are still there for them virtually. Create a plan with your mentee about how you will stay in touch while continuing to follow the appropriate guidelines.
    • If you are not permitted/able to communicate virtually:
      • Work with the program to figure out a way to pass along information to let your mentee know that you care, value the relationship, and will need to temporarily pause in-person meetings. Health and safety are the primary focuses currently.

Additional Resources

Learn More

Resources for Families

Community Resources

Children’s Respiratory Assessment Center - Omaha

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha has launched a dedicated Respiratory Assessment Center to address symptoms of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, in children and teens. The Respiratory Assessment Center is located on Children’s main campus at 84th & Dodge Streets. Please enter off 84th Street at the Specialty Pediatric Center entrance, make an immediate right and park; the center’s entrance is south of the main Specialty Pediatric Center entrance.

If your child has COVID-19 symptoms or you are concerned about a potential exposure, please call your primary care provider or Children’s COVID-19 Help Line at 402-955-3200. If this is an urgent matter and your child needs immediate care on nights or weekends, please go directly to the Respiratory Assessment Center—not Children’s Urgent Care. Children’s Urgent Care will be sending patients with potentially infected respiratory symptoms to the center for care.

County Health Departments

Additional Resources