Mission Statement:
The Mentoring Program was established in 1999 to provide emotional, educational and financial support for survivors of domestic violence following their exit from the shelter.
Mentoring:
Since the implementation of the MorningStar Program in 1999, there have been 99 participants plus numerous children. Of these 99 Survivors, 3 have returned to their abuser, 5 have bought their own homes, 6 have received Masters Degrees and one is working on a second Masters Degree. Two individuals are pursuing a PhD and one has completed the PhD. An RN nursing degree has been earned by one person while two others are working on their Degree in Nursing. Thirteen others have furthered their education in some manner. In addition, 92 are gainfully employed and living independently. The Mentor Program provides a meal for 70-80 persons each month. A motivational or educational program is presented after the meal to the Mentees while the children are nurtured in another area by their Mentors. Our Mentor Program involves 45 volunteers who work with 18 Survivors. Survivors are paired with trained volunteers who help them gain self-sufficiency and emotional well-being after leaving the Shelter. This is the only Mentoring Program in Tennessee for victims of Domestic Violence.
The Mentoring Program is a very important part of what Morning Star does in its mission to aid and empower the victims of domestic violence. In order to be a part of a Mentor/Mentee relationship, the Mentee must have a job and a place of her own to live in. The Mentoring Program is a bridge for the Mentee to use in order to function and live her life to the fullest away from the violent situation she was previously in. Mentors make the commitment to the program for at least one year and meet with their Mentee once a month. Each person who would like to serve as a Mentor must be at least 21 years old and agree to have a background check conducted by Morning Star Sanctuary. Because of the varied nature of the needs of each Mentee, they may have 2-3 Mentors to help with the unique needs.
If you would like more information about the Morning Star
Sanctuary Mentoring Program, click
HERE.