Peer Mentor Application

Mentorship Program

Why Mentorship Matters

Every year, thousands of individuals return to Hawaiʻi’s communities after incarceration, often facing barriers related to housing, employment, recovery, family reunification, and community connection. Without support, many individuals struggle to successfully reintegrate.
Mentorship provides encouragement, accountability, and meaningful human connection during the reentry journey.
At Going Home Hawaiʻi, mentors help participants build confidence, resilience, life skills, and positive community relationships through consistent support and guidance.

What Mentors Do

Mentors provide a structured and supportive relationship that helps participants navigate challenges and work toward personal goals.
Mentors may:

• Offer encouragement and accountability
• Support personal growth and recovery goals
• Help participants build confidence and life skills
• Model positive community connection
• Provide guidance during difficult transitions and challenges

Mentor Expectations

Mentors are asked to:

• Meet with their mentee in person for at least one hour per week for 12 months
• Participate in mentor trainings and support meetings throughout the year
• Maintain communication and engagement with program staff
• Provide consistent, respectful, and non-judgmental support
• Keep basic records of mentor-mentee interactions and progress

Matched mentors and mentees work together to decide meeting times and activities that support the mentee’s goals and success.

Mentor Eligibility

Benefits of Becoming a Mentor

Applicants must:

• Be 21 years of age or older
• Be employed, enrolled in school, and/or retired
• Complete a TB clearance within the past two years
• Commit to the full one-year mentorship program
• Participate in mentor trainings and ongoing education
• Agree to a criminal background check

A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant from becoming a mentor.

Mentors have the opportunity to:

• Make a meaningful impact in someone’s life
• Strengthen communities through reentry support
• Gain experience working alongside service providers and justice system partners
• Build empathy, leadership, and communication skills
• Create lasting, positive relationships

Become a Mentor! 

Peer Mentor Application

Contact for Information

Alexis Manuia
Peer Mentor Coordinator
Office: 808.491.2437
Cell:808.825.8557
[email protected]