This important piece of the supportive care provided to the residents of Flowering Branch Children's Shelter has become very popular with the youth, as well as with the mentors. After going through an application process and a three hour training, volunteer mentors make weekly visits with the young person to whom they are assigned, send them cards and notes, and provide genuine, non-judgmental care.

Some comments from the residents about Jacob's Ladder:

• I've never gotten my own mail before. It makes me feel special.
• It's nice to have someone to talk to who's there just for me.
• I like it when we play a board games together with some of the other kids and mentors.

Mentor qualifications:

Adults, 21 and older, who have a genuine interest in providing non-judgmental care to the residents of Flowering Branch.  This care will be expressed through having a positive attitude, through good listening skills, and by a willingness to have A LOT OF FUN!

Mentors are asked to make a 6 month commitment to their responsibilities, providing notice to the Volunteer Services Director or Flowering Branch staff when they will not be available due to vacations, etc.

Mentors agree to background checks that are necessary for persons working with minors who are in the custody of the state.  These background checks are done free of charge at the Bartow County Sheriff Department on Zena Drive.