Class prepares volunteers to mentor children

Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth (COPY), a program of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, is offering a class to prepare volunteers to become mentors for children with an incarcerated parent. On Saturday, September 21, COPY will offer an orientation/training class.

After initial training and comprehensive background checks, volunteers are matched with a child in Bend, Redmond, Sisters or La Pine that share similar interests and activities and commits to spending a few hours a week together for a minimum of one year. This time is often spent going to community events, working on homework, attending art programs, participating in sports, or simply hanging out and talking.

This six-hour class covers program policies, how to establish a mentor relationship, the impact incarceration has on families, and communication skills. There is no cost to attend.

For additional details please call (541) 388-6651 or email COPY@deschutes.org Additional program information is available at the Sheriff’s Office web site at www.deschutes.org/copy.