Program Handbook
Welcome to the Fundamental Foundations Mentorship Program!
We are honored that you have chosen to be part of our community. Whether you are a youth participant, caregiver, mentor, volunteer, or community partner, you play an important role in helping foster youth build confidence, discover opportunities, and create brighter futures.
Our program is committed to surrounding youth with caring adults, meaningful experiences, educational opportunities, and lifelong support. Together, we are building a community where every young person feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Our Mission
Our mission is to build a caring community that surrounds foster youth ages 6 to 17 with stability, support, mentorship, educational opportunities, and pathways to success. By fostering meaningful partnerships and investing in the potential of every young person, we strengthen lives, break generational cycles, and create thriving communities for generations to come.
Our Vision
We envision a future where every foster youth is surrounded by a strong, supportive community that provides the stability, opportunities, and encouragement needed to thrive. Through collective investment in their success, young people are empowered to reach their full potential, break cycles of adversity, and become confident leaders who strengthen their families, communities, and future generations. As a lifelong resource and trusted support network, we remain committed to supporting foster youth well into adulthood, ensuring they always have access to the relationships, resources, and opportunities needed to succeed.
Program Overview
The Fundamental Foundations Mentorship Program serves foster youth and youth impacted by foster care between the ages of 6 and 17.
The program provides:
Positive adult mentorship
Monthly community outings
Educational enrichment
Leadership development
Life skills training
Career exploration
College readiness
Community service opportunities
Recreational activities
Lifelong resource connections
All approved program activities are provided at no cost to participating youth.
Our Commitment to Youth
Every participant deserves:
A safe environment
Respect and dignity
Positive role models
Opportunities for growth
Encouragement and support
Access to educational opportunities
Freedom from discrimination and harassment
Lifelong Support Commitment
Although formal youth programming serves participants ages 6–17, Fundamental Foundations remains committed to supporting youth beyond age 18 beginning January 1, 2028.
Former participants may continue to access:
Mentorship
Educational resources
Career guidance
Scholarship information
Community referrals
Employment resources
Independent living support
Networking opportunities
Alumni events
Our goal is to ensure no young person faces adulthood without support.
Program Values
Respect
We treat everyone with dignity and kindness by honoring the dignity, experiences, and perspectives of every person.
Integrity
We act honestly, ethically, and transparently in all that we do.
Compassion
We lead with empathy and understanding.
Accountability
We take responsibility for our actions, mission, resources, and commitments.
Inclusion
We welcome and value diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Empowerment
We help young people discover their strengths and potential through knowledge, confidence, and opportunities to succeed.
Contact Information
Address: Wood River, IL
Phone: (618) 381-5147
Email: SHarless@MyFundamentalFoundations.org
Website: www.MyFundamentalFoundations.org
Emergency Contact: Shannon Harless, Founder - (618) 381-5147
Youth Expectations
Participants are expected to:
Be Respectful
Use appropriate language.
Treat others kindly.
Respect personal boundaries.
Be Responsible
Follow directions.
Participate positively.
Care for personal belongings and program property.
Be Safe
Follow safety rules.
Stay with the group.
Report concerns to staff.
Be Inclusive
Welcome others.
Avoid bullying or exclusion.
Mentor Expectations
Mentors agree to:
Serve as positive role models.
Commit to at least one year of service.
Maintain appropriate boundaries.
Attend required trainings.
Follow all child safety policies.
Maintain confidentiality.
Support and encourage youth growth.
Mentors are not counselors, therapists, legal advocates, or parents of children in the mentorship program.
Volunteer Expectations
Volunteers are expected to:
Support the mission and values of the organization.
Follow all policies and procedures.
Complete required training.
Maintain professionalism.
Prioritize youth safety.
Youth Safety Policy
Youth safety is our highest priority.
All mentors, volunteers, and staff:
Complete background screenings.
Receive child protection training.
Follow supervision requirements.
Report safety concerns immediately.
The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy for abuse, neglect, harassment, exploitation, or misconduct.
Mentor Matching Procedures
Purpose
The mentor matching process is designed to create meaningful, safe, and successful mentoring relationships based on shared interests, personality compatibility, goals, and developmental needs.
Matching Criteria
When possible, mentor matches are based on:
Youth interests and hobbies
Educational and career goals
Personality and communication style
Geographic location
Cultural considerations
Mentor strengths and experience
Youth preferences
Program recommendations
Matching Process
Step 1: Application and Screening
Mentors complete:
Mentor Application
Background Check
Reference Checks
Interview Process
Required Training
Youth participants complete:
Enrollment Packet
Caregiver Consent Forms
Interest Survey
Emergency Contact Information
Step 2: Match Assessment
Program staff review:
Youth needs
Mentor strengths
Shared interests
Potential compatibility
Step 3: Introduction Meeting
An introductory meeting may include:
Youth participant
Caregiver
Mentor
Program representative
The purpose is to establish comfort, expectations, and initial goals.
Step 4: Match Approval
The mentoring relationship begins after approval from:
Program staff
Caregiver
Mentor
Youth participant
Step 5: Ongoing Monitoring
Program staff will:
Conduct regular check-ins
Provide support and coaching
Monitor relationship progress
Address concerns promptly
Communication Guidelines
Communication should always be:
Respectful
Professional
Age-appropriate
Consistent with program policies
Youth
Youth should communicate concerns to staff, mentors, or caregivers.
Mentors and Volunteers
Mentors and volunteers should follow approved communication methods and maintain appropriate boundaries.
Confidentiality
Information regarding youth, families, placements, schools, and personal circumstances must remain confidential.
Confidentiality may only be broken when:
Safety is at risk.
Reporting is required by law.
Authorized disclosure is necessary.
Mandatory Reporting
Any suspicion of:
Abuse
Neglect
Exploitation
Self-harm
Threats of violence
Human trafficking
must be reported immediately to program leadership and appropriate authorities as required by law.
Incident Reporting Policy
Purpose
The safety and well-being of participants is our highest priority. All incidents, injuries, accidents, behavioral concerns, and safety issues must be documented and reported promptly.
Reportable Incidents
Examples include:
Medical Incidents such as illness, injury, or medical emergencies.
Safety Concerns such as missing participants, unsafe conditions, or transportation incidents.
Behavioral Incidents such as physical altercations, threats, bullying, or property damage.
Child Protection Concerns such as suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or self-harm disclosures.
Reporting Procedure
Immediate Response
Ensure safety.
Contact emergency services if necessary.
Notify program leadership immediately.
Documentation
Complete an Incident Report within 24 hours including:
Date and time
Individuals involved
Description of incident
Actions taken
Witness information
Follow-up recommendations
Notification
When appropriate:
Caregivers and/or caseworkers will be notified.
DCFS reporting requirements will be followed.
Attendance Policy
We encourage consistent participation.
If a youth cannot attend an event:
Notify program staff as soon as possible.
If a mentor or volunteer cannot attend:
Notify staff immediately.
Consistency helps strengthen relationships and program success.
Transportation Policy
Approved transportation may be provided by:
Staff
Approved mentors
Approved volunteers
Authorized transportation providers
Transportation requirements:
Seat belts must be worn.
Appropriate behavior is required.
Drivers must be approved by the organization.
Transportation authorization forms must be on file.
Social Media Policy
Participants, mentors, volunteers, and staff should:
Respect privacy.
Avoid posting confidential information.
Follow photo and media release guidelines.
Refrain from cyberbullying or inappropriate online behavior.
Discipline and Behavioral Support
Fundamental Foundations believes in restorative and supportive approaches whenever possible.
Responses to behavioral concerns may include:
Verbal redirection
Coaching and discussion
Parent/caregiver notification
Behavior support plan
Temporary suspension from activities
Program dismissal for serious safety concerns
Grievance and Complaint Process
Participants, caregivers, mentors, and volunteers may report concerns regarding:
Program operations
Staff conduct
Safety concerns
Harassment or discrimination
Concerns may be submitted to:
Executive Director
Phone: (618) 381-5147
Email: SHarless@MyFundamentalFoundations.org
All concerns will be reviewed promptly and fairly.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Fundamental Foundations Mentorship Program does not discriminate based on:
Race
Color
National origin
Disability
Sex
Age
Religion
Veteran status
Any other protected status under applicable law
All participants deserve equal access to opportunities and support.
Emergency Procedures
In case of emergency:
Ensure immediate safety.
Contact emergency services if necessary.
Notify caregivers and emergency contacts.
Notify program leadership.
Complete required incident reports.