Not a day goes by where someone does not stop in my office or call to inquire about VIP Mentors. I am always thrilled to tell them about the wonderful impact that our attorney volunteers have on the lives of the men and women they mentor. When ex-offenders first leave prison, they lack trust, confidence and social skills. Even if they desperately want to turn their lives around, re-integrating back into society is very difficult. Many quickly return to prison. The "revolving door syndrome" claims another victim and all of us are the worse for it. But if a parolee can become a contributing member of society, everyone benefits: families reunify, the community has more productive citizens, and prison costs are reduced.

In Sacramento, VIP's volunteer attorney mentors have helped hundreds of parolees to turn their lives around. It is a phenomenal program. A mentor's positive influence and having a new friend who genuinely cares can be the proven ticket to success on parole. Research shows that a VIP Mentor more than doubles a parolee's chances for success!

VIP Mentors was founded in 1972 and now has 15 sites throughout the state. VIP Mentors came to Sacramento in 1998. At that time, it was known as Volunteer In Parole. Throughout its history, VIP has been the only nonprofit in California that matches attorneys and only attorneys with parolees. The men and women on parole who seek assistance from VIP are eager to learn from a mentor. They have never had the opportunity to experience a positive influence or a role model who actually cares about their accomplishments and successes in life.

Mentoring for VIP takes no more time than any casual friendship. Just stay in contact at least once a week by phone and get together at least once a month. There are no special requirements. Whether you and your mentee spend time together on recreational activities such as sports or movies, review school work, discuss how to find a job or just hang out is time well spent. Although attorneys, VIP mentors may not give legal advice to their mentees; the goal is just to be a friend.

These friendships prove to be a wonderful learning experience and foster tremendous growth for both the parolees and the mentors. Mentees demonstrate perseverance and courage in the face of adversity. My mentors often tell me they have learned much more from their parolee than they feel they gave in return.

In just a few months as VIP Sacramento/Yolo Program Director, I've already seen how our mentors produce a positive impact on former offenders simply by being a friend, advisor, and role model. Many of our mentees encounter repeated obstacles in their lives, but with what they have learned from their mentors, they are well equipped to approach these obstacles in a healthy and constructive way. The confidence inspired by these relationships has a lifelong impact.

May / June 2006