Transform a Space and Transform a Life
No experience needed; training provided
Two creative programs that help transform the lives of Alexandria’s preteens are seeking volunteer mentors. SOHO, which stands for “Space of Her Own,” and “Space of His Own,” serves vulnerable fifth graders in Alexandria. The program pairs compassionate and resourceful men and women with youth in need of positive adult role models to help support and guide them in making healthy choices and succeeding in school and in life.
For more information on how to become a SOHO mentor, please contact Sarah Maroney at sarah.maroney@alexandriava.gov or by phone at 703.746.4687.
SOHO mentors and youth meet weekly in a group setting to enjoy dinner together and work on art and carpentry projects like building book shelves, constructing and wiring lamps and making self-portraits. They also participate in a series of team-building exercises to help develop the SOHO community and identify ideal mentor/mentee matches.
At the end of the year, mentors collaborate to renovate each youth’s bedroom or sleeping space, using all of the projects that they have created together.
Mentors make a one-year commitment and attend SOHO sessions one evening per week throughout the school year at one of the following locations:
Space of Her Own-Old Town/Del Ray
Who: Women and Girls
When: Tuesdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Start Date: September 13
Space of Her Own-West End
Who: Women and Girls
When: Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Start Date: September 21
Space of His Own-Old Town/Del Ray
Who: Men and Boys
When: Tuesdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Start Date: October 4
For more information on the SOHO programs for boys and girls, visit www.spaceofherown.org/mentor/ and www.spaceofhisown.org.
For more information on how to become a SOHO mentor, please contact Sarah Maroney at sarah.maroney@alexandriava.gov or by phone at 703.746.4687