FIRE Mentoring Policy Handbook

Policy Handbook

FIRE (Fostering Independence, Relationships, & Experiences) Mentoring is an initiative based out of the Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research at Arizona State University. Our organization was founded in November 2022 in response to an identified gap in community resources for young adults transitioning out of homelessness.

The formation of FIRE stemmed directly from focus groups with young adults who had experienced homelessness. The need for supportive adult figures and increased community connectedness were frequently expressed in these focus groups. These insights became the guiding principles behind FIRE Mentoring.

Our aim is to pair caring, stable adults with young adults, aged 18 to 24, who have transitioned out of homelessness. We focus on individuals who have recently secured placement in formal housing programs within Maricopa County, marking a crucial turning point in their journey to stability and self-reliance.

The Arizona Department of Housing granted us our initial startup funding. This crucial backing enabled us to take our first steps toward making a lasting difference.

Our fundamental goal is to enhance the independence and community connections of our mentees. To achieve this, we host monthly events designed to strengthen the bond between mentors and mentees, support mentors and mentees with their relationship-building, and equip the mentees with the tools and support necessary for their journey toward stability. As we begin our pilot year in 2023, we are eager to witness and guide the transformation and growth of our mentees.

With a solid foundation, the right resources, and an unshakeable commitment, we are excited about the journey ahead as we strive to make a significant positive impact in our community.

Mission

FIRE Mentoring Connects young adults in Maricopa County who have experienced homelessness with caring mentors, fostering relationships that empower mentees to develop skills and connections for independence and success. We aim to provide a sense of belonging and opportunities for mentees to achieve their goals, supporting their transition to long-term stability.

Vision

FIRE Mentoring envisions a future where every young adult in Arizona who has experienced homelessness has access to caring, supportive mentors who empower them to develop the skills and connections they need to thrive as independent adults. Through strong relationships and personalized support, our program fosters a culture of connection, belonging, and empowerment that promotes long-term stability, contributing to a more vibrant and equitable community for all.

FIRE Mentoring Policy Handbook

Revised July 19th, 2023

Values

RELATIONSHIP-BUILDING

We believe in the importance of building strong, healthy relationships between mentors and mentees, creating a sense of belonging and support that promotes success and wellbeing. We strive to model and promote healthy relationship dynamics, built on mutual respect, trust, and communication.

COMMUNITY

We believe in the importance of building and contributing to a strong, interconnected community, where individuals support and uplift each other, creating a more vibrant and resilient society for all.

EMPOWERMENT

We believe in the power of personal growth and self-actualization for both our mentees and mentors, and strive to empower individuals to take control of their lives and achieve their goals.

JUSTICE

We believe in promoting equity, fairness, and inclusion for all individuals, recognizing and addressing the systemic barriers that lead to homelessness and housing instability. We celebrate and embrace the unique perspectives and experiences that each person brings, valuing diversity in all its forms.

GROWTH

We believe in the value of personal and professional growth, both for our mentees and mentors, and are committed to providing ongoing opportunities for learning and development.

What to Expect

As a mentee or mentor in FIRE Mentoring, you can expect to be part of a community that is committed to your personal growth and success. Our program connects young adults who have experienced homelessness with caring mentors, who are dedicated to fostering relationships that empower you to develop skills and connections for independence and success. We understand that the transition to long-term stability can be challenging, but our aim is to provide a sense of belonging and opportunities for you to achieve your goals, with the support of your mentor and our wider community.

AS A FIRE MENTEE

You can expect to be paired with a carefully chosen mentor who the team anticipates will be well suited to help you tailor your experience with FIRE in the way that best helps you achieve your goals. You and your mentor will typically schedule four hours of meetings per month. These meetings will include one-onone time with your mentor as well as group events that are created or approved by the staff at FIRE Mentoring.

AS A FIRE MENTOR

You can expect to be paired with a mentee based on your application and unique qualifications. You will work with your mentee to plan your monthly meetings according to your schedules. You are expected to log at least four hours per month to ensure that your mentee gets as much out of participation in this program as possible. FIRE Mentoring will host at least one event per month that you can incorporate into your time with your mentee, in addition to other activities that the two of you choose. While there is some flexibility in the types of activities that FIRE Mentoring participants engage in, the goals of the mentee should always be considered when planning outings.

FIRE Mentoring Policy Handbook

Revised July 19th, 2023

Program Guidelines

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Mentees

• Age 18 to 24

• Connected with a supportive housing program at the time of enrollment

Mentors

• At least 25 years of age

• Access to a vehicle with current insurance

• Pass a background check

• Complete an interview with FIRE Mentoring staff

• Provide 2 character references

• Agree to respect the autonomy of their mentee

Community Guidelines

As part of the FIRE Mentoring community, each of us plays a crucial role in fostering a positive, respectful, and supportive environment. To uphold this, we have developed a set of community guidelines that we expect each member to adhere to. These guidelines are not restrictions, but rather they exist to create a culture where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Each of us has a part to play in adhering to and upholding these rules. Our shared commitment to these guidelines helps maintain a safe space that fosters connection, belonging, and empowerment. It is through this commitment that we are able to promote long-term stability for our mentees and continue our journey of ‘Ignite & Unite: empowering independence together’.

Thank you for your dedication to maintaining the integrity of our community and for your role in creating the change we aspire to achieve.

Revised July 19th, 2023

DRUGS, ALCOHOL, & SUBSTANCE USE

FIRE Mentoring is committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and conducive learning environment for all participants in the program. Accordingly, we have a zero-tolerance policy towards the use of drugs, alcohol, or any other substance that may impair judgment, behavior, or safety during program activities. This applies to both mentors and mentees.

Though FIRE Mentoring does not screen for drug or alcohol use, it is imperative that neither mentors nor mentees attend match meetings while under the influence of any such substances. This policy is in place not only to ensure safety and comfort, but also to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of our program.

In the event of a violation of this policy:

1. The other party should respectfully decline the meeting and immediately inform a FIRE Mentoring staff member. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible during this process.

2. In case of a single incident, the individual in violation of the policy may be given a warning, reminding them of our code of conduct and the importance of adherence.

3. If violations occur frequently, the individual will be required to meet with FIRE Mentoring staff to discuss the situation. The aim of this meeting will be to develop a mutually agreed-upon action plan, which will outline steps to prevent future incidents. This may include a period of temporary suspension from mentoring activities and/or recommendation for professional help for substance use.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

FIRE Mentoring will adhere to current guidance from local, state, and federal health authorities regarding any communicable diseases that could impact the FIRE Mentoring community.

Mentors and mentees are expected to adhere to any prescribed guidelines such as quarantine and isolation parameters when sick, masking and face covering policies, physical distancing, and more.

Special accommodations when participants are ill may be possible, such as virtual meetings or phone calls, when necessary. This will be assessed on a caseby-case basis as issues arise.

Please refer to www.cdc.gov for current guidance on preventive precautions, quarantine and isolation guidelines, vaccinations, and more.

FINANCIAL BOUNDARIES

Matches are asked to maintain healthy financial boundaries. Mentors are welcome to spend a reasonable amount of money on outings with their mentees. This could be meals, attending special events, or the cost of an activity – like a sports game, speaker series, museum, or zoo.

We ask that larger purchases or gifts should be for special occasions, like celebrating achievements. Mentors and mentees must not exchange money with each other. If a mentee has a financial need, the mentor should first look at available resources and then contact FIRE Mentoring staff for specific need requests.

Remember, mentors are there to educate about finances, not to be a source of financial aid. This is to protect both the mentor and the mentee.

Revised July 19th, 2023

INDIVIDUALIZED SUPPORT PLANS

In cases where a mentee requires additional assistance, a dedicated support plan will be established collaboratively by the mentor, mentee, and FIRE Mentoring staff.

This proactive approach ensures that the mentee’s needs are sufficiently addressed and enables them to flourish within the program. Simultaneously, this plan helps maintain healthy boundaries, fostering a constructive and balanced relationship between the mentor and mentee.

The support plan will include, when necessary, arranging for FIRE Mentoring staff to be available for added support during mentor/mentee outings or engagements. This way, we can provide a comprehensive support network that promotes the success of the mentee and the overall mentorship program.

COMMUNICATION HOURS & CHANNELS

We ask all mentors and mentees to be mindful of when and how they communicate with each other. Please avoid contacting each other late at night. It’s better to communicate during the day and in the early evening.

All communication should happen through approved FIRE Mentoring channels. This includes using the FIRE Mentoring Workplace for texting, phone calls, and video calling. If you don’t have access to the internet or a smartphone, please let us know and we can make an exception.

FIRE Mentoring provides resources for crisis situations. These resources are always available for both mentors and mentees to use if needed. If you need more support, you can contact FIRE Mentoring staff. But please remember, we are not a crisis team and are not available 24/7. For urgent help, please use the crisis resources we provide.

Revised July 19th, 2023

RESPECT, INCLUSION, AND PERSON-FIRST LANGUAGE

At FIRE Mentoring, we value and respect everyone, irrespective of their experiences or identities. Our language, behavior, and conversations should always reflect this commitment.

We promote the use of “person-first language” that emphasizes the person before their experiences or circumstances. Instead of “homeless person,” use “person who has experienced homelessness.” This approach underscores the humanity of each individual, beyond their specific conditions or experiences.

It’s equally important to respect and use people’s preferred names and pronouns. Using the correct name and pronoun for someone is a fundamental way to respect their identity.

We celebrate the diversity that makes each person unique, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability level, religion, and socioeconomic status. Differences should be acknowledged with respect and empathy.

Moreover, we encourage dialogue that exhibits civility and understanding, regardless of the topic. It’s crucial that all discussions, particularly those involving differing opinions or sensitive subjects, are conducted in a respectful and thoughtful manner.

By adhering to these guidelines, we foster an environment of respect, understanding, and inclusivity, ensuring everyone in our community is treated with dignity and kindness.

GOAL SETTING

At FIRE Mentoring, we believe in the power of setting goals. With the support of their mentor, each mentee will set their own SMART goals.

Revised July 19th, 2023

Community Guidelines

SMART stands for:

• Specific: The goal should be clear and easy to understand.

• Measurable: We should be able to track progress and know when the goal is achieved.

• Attainable: The goal should be realistic and possible to achieve.

• Relevant: The goal should be important to the mentee and their path towards independence.

• Timely: The goal should have a timeline for when it will be achieved.

We recommend setting both short-term and longterm goals. This way, we all can experience immediate success and also plan for the future!

MEET-UPS

Planning outings with your match should be a collaborative effort that has an emphasis on reaching the mentee’s goals. Their goals are up to them and could be anything from learning how to drive to trying new foods or having new experiences. An ideal meet-up should be growth-based, allow for lots of interaction, and be enjoyable to both the mentor and mentee!

PARTICIPATION

Participation in FIRE Mentoring is completely voluntary. When mentors and mentees choose to join, they commit to a one-year term in the program. Each match is expected to spend at least 4 hours together per month, but no more than 8 hours per month. This consistent interaction helps build strong relationships and promotes meaningful progress toward the mentee’s goals.

TERMINATION

Termination of the mentoring relationship can happen for several reasons:

• Self-Termination: Participation is voluntary, so either the mentor or mentee may choose to leave the program. If this happens, we will do our

best to find a new match for the remaining participant.

• Policy Violation: If a policy is violated, a meeting will be held with FIRE Mentoring staff. Together, we will develop an individualized support plan to set clear expectations and provide needed support.

• Natural Termination: The mentoring relationship will naturally conclude at the end of the one-year commitment.

Regardless of the reason for termination, we will conduct an exit interview to learn from the experience and continuously improve our program.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND ONLINE BEHAVIOR

In the FIRE Mentoring program, we strive to create a secure and comfortable environment for all our participants. With the growing prevalence of social media and online platforms, it’s essential that we set some ground rules for online behavior to protect everyone’s privacy and wellbeing.

During your time in the program:

1. We ask all participants to refrain from engaging with each other on personal social media platforms until the end of the program. This helps to maintain professional boundaries and protect your privacy.

2. All interactions should occur through FIRE Mentoring-approved channels, such as the FIRE Mentoring Workplace. Using these channels ensures that communication is kept within a safe and supervised environment.

3. Be mindful of the information you share online and maintain respect for each other’s privacy. Don’t post or share any personal information about your mentor or mentee without their explicit permission.

4. Always conduct yourself in a manner that aligns with our community guidelines, whether in person or online.

After the conclusion of your time in the program:

If both parties agree, mentors and mentees may choose to connect on personal social media platforms after their official participation in the

program has ended. However, we still recommend maintaining the same level of respect and privacy online as you did during the program.

Remember, the digital world is a public space. Therefore, act with the same integrity and respect you would show in person. If you have any concerns about online interactions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the FIRE Mentoring staff.

REPORTING, FEEDBACK, AND COMPLIANCE

At FIRE Mentoring, we are deeply committed to supporting our participants and maintaining an open and constructive line of communication. Whether you have a concern, a suggestion, or feedback to share, we want to hear from you. This is especially important during our pilot year, as we are learning and growing together, and your experiences and insights can help shape the future of the program.

Scheduled Check-Ins:

As part of our commitment to you, FIRE Mentoring staff will conduct individual check-ins with each participant at least every three months. These check-ins are an opportunity for you to share your experiences, discuss any challenges or successes, and receive additional support.

Open Communication:

However, you do not need to wait for these scheduled check-ins if you have something on your mind. We encourage all participants to reach out to FIRE Mentoring staff at any time with any concerns, feedback, or questions. We value your input and are here to assist you.

Reporting Concerns and Policy Violations:

If you become aware of a policy violation or have a concern related to the program, we ask that you report it immediately. You can contact FIRE Mentoring staff directly, or, for your convenience and anonymity, you can submit a report via our online compliance form.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT

At FIRE Mentoring, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our participants. We encourage open, respectful, and transparent interactions between mentors and mentees. To help facilitate this, we have developed guidelines around meeting locations and appropriate physical contact.

Meeting Locations:

All scheduled meetings between mentors and mentees should occur in public places. This might include parks, restaurants, libraries, or community centers. Meeting in public fosters a safe environment that respects boundaries and supports positive interactions.

The use of private vehicles for transportation to and from these public places is both allowed and expected. However, we strongly discourage meetings at private residences to maintain privacy and safety.

In the event of a special occasion or celebration at a private home, both parties of the match may attend, but FIRE Mentoring staff must be informed in advance. In such instances, all program policies, including our policy on alcohol, drugs, and substance use, must still be adhered to.

Physical Contact:

Physical contact between mentors and mentees should be respectful, appropriate, and consensual. It is crucial to ensure that any physical contact, such as a handshake, high-five, or pat on the back, is comfortable for both parties. Any physical contact that could be interpreted as inappropriate, threatening, or invasive is strictly forbidden.

It’s important for both parties to communicate openly about their comfort levels and to respect each other’s personal boundaries. If any physical contact feels uncomfortable, it should be discussed openly and honestly with each other and, if necessary, reported to FIRE Mentoring staff.

We are committed to creating a respectful, safe, and supportive environment for all our program

participants. Your commitment to these guidelines helps maintain that environment.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

At FIRE Mentoring, we believe that conflicts, when addressed effectively, can serve as opportunities for growth, increased understanding, and strengthened relationships. We encourage mentors and mentees to handle conflicts directly and respectfully, maintaining open communication and mutual respect.

However, we understand that some conflicts may escalate beyond the ability for the match to resolve it independently. In such instances, FIRE Mentoring staff is available to intervene and provide support.

If a conflict reaches a point where external assistance is needed, here are the steps to follow:

1. Contact FIRE Mentoring staff: Alert a staff member about the ongoing issue, providing as many details as possible about the conflict and any efforts made to resolve it.

2. Conflict Resolution Meeting: Upon notification, a meeting will be arranged involving all parties and a staff member from FIRE Mentoring. This meeting will serve as a safe, structured platform to openly discuss the conflict and explore possible solutions.

3. Individualized Support Plan: Depending on the nature and severity of the conflict, an Individualized Support Plan may be developed. This plan will outline specific steps and strategies to resolve the conflict and prevent similar issues in the future.

4. Ongoing Support: FIRE Mentoring staff will continue to provide guidance and support as needed until the conflict is resolved satisfactorily.

CONFIDENTIALITY

FIRE Mentoring is committed to maintaining the highest degree of respect for the privacy of our program participants. However, it’s important to clarify the nature of conversations within our program.

While conversations between mentors and mentees should be respected as private, they are not considered confidential in the legal sense. This distinction means that while personal information should generally not be shared outside of the match, there are exceptions to this, particularly in cases of safety concerns.

If a mentor or mentee has any serious concerns about the health and wellbeing of their match, they are urged to contact the appropriate resources. This could be emergency services such as 911 or mental health crisis services like 988, depending on the situation. It is essential to take immediate action if there’s any risk of harm to oneself or others.

In all such instances, please also inform the FIRE Mentoring staff as soon as possible, irrespective of which other resources you’ve contacted. We are here to support you, and we need to be informed to provide the necessary assistance.

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Mentors Rights & Responsibilities

Rights

• Mentors have the right to receive adequate training and ongoing support to help them fulfill their role effectively

• Mentors have the right to set boundaries with their mentees, and to communicate their boundaries clearly and respectfully

• Mentors have the right to be treated with respect by their mentees, program staff, and other stakeholders

• Mentors have the right to work in a safe and supportive environment, free from harassment, discrimination, or other forms of mistreatment

• Mentors have the right to provide feedback and recommendations on the program and their experiences and to have them considered in program planning and improvement

• Mentors have the right to confidentiality, and to have their personal and professional information kept confidential by the program, except where required by law or by the program’s policies.

Responsibilities

• Be at least 25 years old, have access to a reliable vehicle with insurance, and possess a valid Arizona driver’s license

• Pass a background check, including driving history

• Commit to spending at least 4 hours per month with their mentee for at least a year

• 2 hours of structured programming with the FIRE team

• 2 hours of one-on-one time with their mentee

• Attend a 6-hour in-person training and complete 10-hours of online course materials about understanding youth homelessness, how to set strong boundaries with their mentee to ensure a healthy and safe relationship, how to have a trauma-informed approach to their relationship with your mentee, etc.

• Mentors will not use or be under the influence of any substances during any FIRE related events including match meetups

• Mentors will uphold appropriate boundaries with their mentee, including physical, emotional, financial, spiritual, etc.

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Mentees Rights & Responsibilities

Rights

• Mentees have the right to be treated with respect by their mentors, program staff, and other stakeholders.

• You have the right to report any and all interactions with your mentor or other program related staff that made you feel unsafe or disrespected. This can include your time being disrespected if a mentor is continuously late or cancels outings with appropriate notice or providing alternative scheduling options. Please see the complaint form on FIRE’s Workplace to make a formal complaint, with an option to submit anonymously if preferred.

• You have the right to attend program events in a safe and supportive environment, free from harassment, discrimination, or other forms of mistreatment.

• You have the right to provide feedback on the program and their experiences and to have them considered in program planning and improvement.

Responsibilities

• Mentees must commit to spending at least 4 hours per month with their mentor for at least one year

• 2 hours of structured programming with the FIRE team

• 2 hours of one-on-one time with their mentee

• Duty to Communicate: Mentees will communicate with their mentor about any changes in scheduling their meet-ups, within a reasonable amount of time before the agreed meeting time. It is the mentee’s responsibility to respect the mentor’s time and to work collaboratively with their mentor to schedule meeting times that work well for both parties.

• Mentees will not attend programrelated events, including match meetings, under the influence of substances - and understand that mentors must cancel the meeting and inform FIRE staff for follow-up.

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