Giving Support.   Receiving Support.   Staying Connected.

The ViaMar Alumni Mentor Program pairs newer alumni with experienced alumni who understand what it is like to build a life in recovery and can offer encouragement, connection, relatability, and steady support.

The goal is to help mentees feel understood, stay connected to the people and resources supporting their recovery, and build confidence as they continue moving forward in life. Mentors also gain a meaningful way to give back, strengthen their own recovery, and stay connected to the ViaMar alumni community.

The ViaMar Health Alumni Mentor Program aims to:

1. Provide ongoing support and a sense of belonging post-treatment                              

2. Encourage accountability and follow-through with recovery goals                              

3. Increase engagement in the ViaMar alumni community                                                  

4. Share information about support groups, community programs and other local and virtual recovery resources                                                                        

5. Normalize challenges and celebrate progress in recovery                                            

**Mentorship is peer support**

Alumni mentors are not therapists, treatment providers, sponsors, or crisis-support professionals. Please call/text 988 if you are in crisis, visit your local emergency room, or use one of your other supports for these situations.

Program Overview

1. Although the program is designed for newer alumni, any ViaMar alum may request a mentor at any time. Requests will be considered based on individual need, program fit, and mentor availability  

2. Initial mentorship period length: 6 months

3. Mentors and mentee pairs are intentionally matched, when possible, based on age/life stage, shared experience, personality/communication style, individual recovery needs or preferences, and other factors that support connection  

4. After 6 months, the mentee may apply to become a mentor to newer alumni and the mentor may take on another mentee

5. The alumni mentor chair oversees the mentor program and provides guidance and support to mentors and mentees                                                                            

From Application to Connection

1. Apply

   Complete a short application for the role that fits you. (Mentor, Mentee, Family Mentor)

2. Connect

   The Mentor Chair and Director of Alumni will review the application and contact you to discuss readiness, expectations, and program fit.

3. Get Matched

   Mentors/Mentees/Families are intentionally matched when possible.

4. Build the Relationship

   Mentor pairs remain connected through weekly check-ins, regular phone/video conversations, and ongoing support from the Mentor Chair.  

   Mentors remain connected to other mentors through monthly mentor meetings.