STREETLIGHT'S KERAMIKO TEEN MOM PROGRAM

Keramiko is a word from the Greek language meaning "made of clay". We believe that this name represents all who are a part of this ministry, the teen mothers, the children and the mentors themselves. Keramiko's desire is to be as moldable clay - "You Lord are the Father. We are the clay, and You are the Potter. We are all formed by Your hand." Isaiah 64:8

Keramiko, a division of StreetLight, seeks to match a Christian woman (who may or may not be a mother herself) with one teen mom, to come alongside her as a mentor, to give support and encouragement.

We ask Keramiko mentors to commit 3 - 10 hours each week, for a period of two years. Mentors will have the opportunity to give encouragement throughout the pregnancy and may even be asked to be a birth coach. Then, for a year or more thereafter, the Keremiko Mentor will have opportunity to remain as a friend and mentor to the young mom and help her as she learns new parenting skills. Mentors will have the opportunity to give emotional support and reassurance to a young woman who may feel overwhelmed at times. Mentors may also need to help a young mom grieve as she releases her baby in adoption or deals with isJeffs regarding abortion.

HOW TO BECOME A KERAMIKO MENTOR

All applicants are required to fill out the Keramiko Volunteer Application which is provided in a link below. Along with the application, all volunteers are also required to complete and pass a Police Security Check as well as a Child Welfare Check, both of which may be picked up at our Youth for Christ office. (#15, 1725 - 30th Avenue NE). If your application is approved by our StreetLight Director and the Keramiko Coordinator you will be matched to one teen mom as soon as a match is available.

We ask that you be prepared to spend 3 - 10 hours each week with your teen mom for two years. You and your teen mom can decide together what activities would be most fun and beneficial for both of you. Your girl may want only emotional support through coffee or lunch visits and the answer to some questions about parenting. Or your girl may prefer to spend time in activities such as shopping, art classes, park or zoo outings, etc. She may need further support from other agencies. StreetLight staff will be able to help you help her access these programs.

Be assured that you will not be alone in the journey with your teen mom. Staff at StreetLight will be there to support and encourage you as well as provide occasional training days as you minister to your girl. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the following StreetLight staff using the information below.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD MENTOR APPLICATION (Adobe Acrobat Reader)

ARE YOU A TEEN MOM AND WOULD LIKE TO GET PAIRED WITH A KERAMIKO MENTOR?

Are you are a young woman (15 - 24) who is pregnant or a mother of an infant 0 - 2 years? Would you like to be paired with a woman who would like to be your friend and give you emotional support and encouragement throughout your pregnancy and as you become the best mom you can be? Just fill out the following referral form and we will do the best we can to match you with a mentor as soon as possible.

We understand that as a Teen Mom, there are many isJeffs that lie ahead for you and the pressure can sometimes be too much to bear alone. The purpose of Keramiko is to link you up with a loving, caring and informed friend who can come along side you as a friend and as a mentor. Why are mentors beneficial? Mentors provide great sounding boards. They are individuals who are focused on our well being. Mentors are there to build friendships that support, protect and enhance our lives. They can understand us sometimes when no one else seems to. They can hold us accountable and challenge us to better our lives and situations. Mentors are a blessing!

Keramiko Mentors are volunteers who desire to invest in young mothers. If you have decided that the most loving thing you can do for your child is release him/her in adoption, a Mentor will come along side you as support and love you through the process. No matter what the circumstances you go through as a young mother, your mentor will be there as a source of strength and support. The most important thing to remember is that you won't be alone regardless of the path you choose.



HOW TO GET MATCHED UP WITH A KERAMIKO MENTOR

If you are interested in getting paired with a Keramiko Mentor, you will need to voluntarily fill out the following application and submit it into our office via fax, mail or in person to our Youth for Christ office: (#15, 1725 - 30th Avenue NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7P6 Fx.403.291.9674) or contact the following staff:

KERAMIKO INTAKE FORM (Word Document)

MARIA PETROU - STREETLIGHT DIRECTOR Contact Information: 403.291.3179.ext.32 403.470.9322.mb. mariayfc@telus.net

ELLEN NOBEL - KERAMIKO COORDINATOR Contact Information: 403.291.3179.ext.29 403.470.6612.mb. ellenn@postmaster.co.uk