Mentoring
What Do Mentors Do?
Purpose
The purpose of the STEP Mentoring Program is for followers of Jesus to develop a long-term, one-on-one, discipleship relationship with an under-resourced child either from The Homes at Pine Crossing (formerly Eastgate) public housing complex in North Little Rock or in the Stephens Elementary neighborhood in Little Rock.
Mentors provide a consistent and loving presence
By committing to spend 1.5 hours one night a week at the STEP gym, our mentors are a bright light in the lives of young people who need a constant, reliable presence. Through this program, mentors simply give their time. It’s a simple concept, but it’s extremely important to these kids. Our mentors “just pray and show up” to love a child.
Mentors are a positive spiritual influence
Our mentors regularly spend time in the Word with the young people as facilitated through the evening program. This invaluable time spent studying the Bible can help mentees grow in their faith, and it’s rewarding for the mentors, too.
Mentors help mentees develop life skills and transition into adulthood.
Growing up can be hard, and young people need reliable adults in their lives to provide guidance and wisdom. Along with program speakers and life skill activities, our mentors share their own knowledge and experiences to help mentees enter adulthood as successfully as possible.
Mentors provide memorable outings
Every fourth week in the mentoring program, mentors and mentees can enjoy an earned “Faithfulness outing,” which is a low-cost activity they can participate in together. This is a time to deepen the relationship away from the STEP facilities with a fun activity. Faithfulness outings can include touring local museums, colleges, libraries, the State Capitol, and more!
“Intro to STEP” Summer Mentoring Week”
If you are interested in exploring if one-on-one mentoring is for you, please join us for one of our “Intro to STEP” Summer Mentoring Weeks. You will commit to love a child through mentoring for two hours an evening, Tuesday – Thursday for one week. As a summer mentor, you will spend time with your mentee in Bible study, taking field trips, doing arts and crafts, and just having fun. All of the activities are facilitated for you!
- “Intro to STEP” Summer Mentoring Week 1, Tues-Thurs, July 9-11, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., STEP NLR, 601 E. 19th, NLR
- “Intro to STEP” Summer Mentoring Week 2, Tues-Thurs, July 16-18, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., STEP NLR, 601 E. 19th, NLR
- “Intro to STEP” Summer Mentoring Week 3, Tues-Thurs, July 23-25, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., STEP LR, 1701 S. Pine, LR
School-Year Mentoring Program
During the school year, mentors commit to meeting with their mentees for 1 1/2 hours once a week to build a discipleship relationship with the help of a structured program provided by the staff. Mentors and mentees meet at the STEP LR or NLR mentoring center to study the Bible, learn life skills, play games, and be discipled in following Jesus.
The night of the week you meet with your mentee will depend on the location and their age:
- Friendship Club (Elementary-aged children) | Mondays 5:30-7:00 pm | North Little Rock
- Discipleship Club (Middle school youth) | Tuesdays 6:00-7:30 pm | North Little Rock
- Ambassador Club (High school youth) | Wednesdays 5:00-6:30 pm | North Little Rock
- Friendship Club (Elementary-aged children) | Thursdays 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. | Little Rock
Meet Some Mentors!
STEP Ministries is blessed with amazing mentors. Get to know some of the mentors by reading their stories and learning why they chose to volunteer with STEP.
Nikita Jackson, NLR Women’s Mentoring Coordinator
Email: nikita@stepministries.org
Mobile: 501.837.8833
Rob Smith, NLR Men’s Mentoring Coordinator
Email: rob@stepministries.org
Mobile: 501.425.7837
Cory Wiley, LR Mentoring Coordinator
Email: cory@stepministries.org
Mobile: 501.786.0556
