Empower another family.
Mentors open their homes to families who are experiencing homelessness. A key component of IFC is the family mentoring concept. The family receiving assistance is matched with a mentor family. The Mentor provides ongoing hands-on support and guidance to the family 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Mentors provide ongoing teaching and support to develop the participant’s knowledge and skills in identified areas, which could include parenting skills, time management, meal planning and shopping, budgeting, and household chores.
Mentors attend family team meetings with others to coordinate planning and provide updates on the family’s progress.
Mentors provide support services to participant including transportation and babysitting as planned ahead of time.
Mentors complete and submit required documentation.
Mentors serve as cheerleaders and support system for families.
What are the steps to becoming a mentor?
Initial training for Mentors consists of TIPS-MAPP training, trauma-informed care practices training, Nurturing Parenting, MANDT Training, and Cultural Poverty. Additionally, all Mentors are trained on the goals and expectations of the program and are expected to attend ongoing training.
The Apex Foster Care Licensing Specialist will complete the home study and all necessary pre-placement screening of potential mentors. We ask IFC Mentor Homes to become licensed foster parents in the state of Nebraska.
What supports are available to mentors?
Each family is assigned to an Apex staff member, known as an Integrated Family Care Specialist. The IFC Specialist is responsible for all coordination of the family’s needs. The IFC Specialist is available 24/7 to the biological family and mentor.
Apex will provide the mentor with initial and ongoing training.
Apex will provide the mentor with a monthly stipend.