The MENTOR Network Launches Campaign to Recruit Caring Homes in the Community for Adults and Children in Need

BOSTON, Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The MENTOR Network, a national network of local human services providers, has launched a new website – www.makeadifferenceathome.com – and an online advertising campaign designed to increase awareness about the need for more Host Home providers.

Host Homes consist of individuals and families who provide caring homes in the community for children in need and adults with developmental disabilities.  In partnership with The MENTOR Network, Host Home providers open their hearts and their homes and have the opportunity to earn extra money to help make ends meet.

"The MENTOR Network is called a 'network' for a reason -- it's not just one person or group.  It's a national network of people, in communities across the country, who are joined by the common belief that positive, nurturing relationships are the basis for growth and change and that these relationships are best fostered through active participation in the daily rhythms of neighborhood and family life," said Dwight Robson, Chief Public Strategy & Marketing Officer at The MENTOR Network.

Across the nation, there are more than 100,000 individuals with developmental disabilities who are waiting for access to community-based services.  In addition, there are more than 400,000 children in the foster care system.

"There are already thousands of individuals who have decided to make a difference at home, but the need for community-based care continues to grow," Robson said.  "Through this campaign we hope to show people how rewarding this work can be and encourage them to consider how much of a difference they could make in the life of an adult or child in need."

The new website is designed to help interested individuals learn more about being a foster parent or host home provider and includes videos, case studies and other interactive features. 

"We refer to our host home providers and foster parents as 'Mentors' because they do so much more than just provide a home to an individual in need -- they help them grow and learn, forever changing their lives," Robson continued.  "Mentors make a huge difference to the life of an individual and they also earn extra money at home that can help make ends meet."

Mentors are caring individuals from all walks of life who provide support for children with emotional, medical and behavioral challenges and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Mentors help children and adults thrive as part of the community and positively impact their home life.

"When you take in and care for a foster child or an adult with developmental disabilities, you're giving them something money can't buy -- a helping hand, a home, a family, and someone who wants to share a life with them.  As a Mentor, you show them through your actions that we all matter and we all deserve to live life to the fullest," said Robson.  

Supported by The Network's dedicated team of human services professionals, Mentors have access to 24/7 on-call support, ongoing skill development opportunities and much more.

To learn more about becoming a Mentor and how you can make a difference in the life of an individual in need please visit www.makeadifferenceathome.com.

About The MENTOR Network

Founded in 1980, The MENTOR Network is a national network of local health and human services providers offering an array of quality, community-based services to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain and spinal cord injuries and other catastrophic injuries and illnesses, and to youth with emotional, behavioral and medically complex challenges as well as their families in more than 30 states.

SOURCE The MENTOR Network