[Archived] Transform a Space and Transform a Life: Mentor with SOHO

No Experience Needed; Training Provided

For Immediate Release: September 2, 2016

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 youth in making healthy choices and succeeding in school and in life.  

On Wednesday, September 7, from 6 to 7 p.m., SOHO will host an information session for persons interested in becoming mentors with the programs.  The session will be held at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St.  Attendees are asked to register online. 

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 the following times:

• 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

 If you are hardworking, dedicated, and eager to help a child in need, we want to hear from you!

For more information on the SOHO programs for boys and girls, visit www.spaceofherown.org and www.spaceofhisown.org. For more information on how to become a SOHO mentor, contact Sarah Maroney at sarah.maroney@alexandriava.gov or phone at 703.746.4687. 

For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.