Parents/Guardians

“Bryar and I have been matched for a little over three years now, and keeps getting better and better. I am very fortunate to have a little brother who is very open to new ideas and challenges. He has become one of my good friends. In my heart I know I have made a difference in the life of a child. - Peter, mentor”

How Children Benefit From Good Friend

Community Support
Participants at Good Friend receive community support. We have an open door policy to connect families to helpful programs and resources in the greater Danbury area.

Positive Role Model
Our mission at Good Friend is to connect a caring adult with children who come from single parent or no parent homes promoting positive relationships. This will aid in providing extra support in the child’s life as well as opening new doors to experiences that they otherwise would not have. A mentor will not replace a parent and is not a disciplinarian. Studies have shown that a child needs to grow up with at least 3 positive adult role models to grow into a responsible citizen. Click here for the list of 40 developmental assets. http://www.search-institute.org/assets/

Social and recreational opportunities
At Good Friend we offer group activities that are both team oriented and educational. These activities are geared towards matches and kids on the waiting list. The activities can range from sports, to going to the movies to having a game night. These opportunities enable kids to be connect with other children that share similar backgrounds as well as interacting with volunteers and Good Friend staff.

Encouragement in becoming a competent, confident and caring member of the community.



		Peter (big), Bryar (little)

“We ride our bikes, eat like kings, hike and chill out...
We are Good Friends!”

By having a positive role model and mentor this enables children to gain more social and cultural awareness in their community. Good Friend staff promotes positive community involvement amongst mentors and mentees. When participating in community activities with Good Friend, children are always encouraged to exhibit respectable behaviors.

Links & Resources

Danbury Community Network
A listing of great resources in the Danbury and greater Danbury community.

Department of Children and Families

Family Education
Especially for moms!

Parents Without Partners
Support and resources for single parents.

Parents with Disabilities Online
Support and resources for parents with disabilities.

Ask Me About My Kids
Operated by single parents who understand the challenges single moms and dads face every day.

Grand Parents Again
Support and guidance in raising your grandchildren.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Resource and support guide for grandparents and kinship caregivers.

Because I Love You
Dedicated to supporting parents with troubled children.

CouponCabin
Free printable coupons.

FAQ

How long does it take?
There is no exact wait period. Once enrollment is complete it depends on our volunteer pool at the time and your comfort with the volunteer to proceed into a match. Our mentor population is unpredictable as numbers fluctuate month to month and their screening process can be lengthy. We cannot guarantee a match for any child at any given time.

Does it cost anything?
There are no participation costs involved in becoming enrolled in the program. However, providing your child with modest spending money for Good Friend activities would be helpful. When possible, provide your child with spending money so that the Volunteer will not feel obligated to pay for his/her activities.

How are volunteers screened?
Our main concern is for the safety of your child. Volunteer must undergo a thorough screening process in order to be considered in our program. This process involves:

Attend a one hour mentor orientation
Complete written application
Check driving record and gain copy of current insurance coverage
Check criminal history: state criminal history, sexual offender registry. Same checks must be performed in all states resided in as an adult.
Provide personal and professional references
Complete personal interview
Complete Home Visit
Copy of license for driver’s abstract.

Can I enroll more than one child?
Any child meeting the program eligibility requirements can be enrolled into the Good Friend program. This is a voluntary program and children must show interest for involvement.

Guidelines and Ground Rules For Parents

Your child's Big is NOT a taxi service, Santa Claus, or a baby-sitter. Please don't treat him or her as such.
Please don't discuss your child with the Big in the presence of your child. If there is something he/she should know, call him/her when your child is away.
Try to help your child be considerate of the Big (i.e. remembering birthdays, making occasional phone calls, etc.). But please do not interfere in their relationship with excessive quizzing and judgments. This is your child's relationship.
If there is something about the relationship that concerns you, please contact our office immediately.
Try to let the volunteer know, once in a while, that his or her efforts are appreciated.

Remember, the relationship that exists is between your child and the Big. Don't ask that siblings or yourself be included on outings.
Forgive minor mistakes in judgment. The Big is not a trained professional... nor is he/she perfect. You will probably disagree with the volunteer sometimes.
The parent/guardian should not deprive the child of the weekly visit with the Big as a means of discipline.
As the Big will be telling you when he/she will be returning with your child, make a point of being home.
Be flexible. Remember the Good Friend has a busy schedule also!
Give it time. This relationship needs time to develop... at least 3-6 months..., so don't judge it too quickly.
Your child's Good Friend is a person, too. Get to know him/her at least to the degree that you feel comfortable with him/her.
Your interest in the program is welcome. Please feel free to contact the staff by phone, or drop in the office.
We trust your instinct. Feel free to contact staff with any questions or concerns

185 Main Street, Danbury, CT 06810 * (203) 790-0032

This web site and its entire contents Copyright 2007 by Good Friend except for articles and other citations whose copyrights and/or credits are noted. No portion of this web site may be reproduced or retransmitted in any form without the consent of Good Friend.