MCH starts mentor pilot program

Mentor Committe members (from left): Austin Brown, Mary Rollins,
Jean Wright, Lindsey Fortner, Lindy Dehm;
not pictured - Julie Spiech, Suzanne Frerich

Methodist Children’s Home, guided by the 2011-2015 Strategic Plan has launched a six-month pilot study for a Mentor Program.

Jean Wright, staff trainer, and Suzanne Frerich, unit manager, lead the mentor committee. The mentor committee has spent the past several months devoting time and attention to the new employee experience. Specifically, committee members have assessed the needs and challenges new employees face in their transition to MCH such as connection to the agency, organizational knowledge and MCH culture.

 The pilot study will be held on the Waco campus, Boys Ranch and in two of the MCH Family Outreach offices in Texas.

“The committee anticipates the guidance, support and empowerment from a mentor may help a new employee grow professionally, intellectually and spiritually at MCH,” said Wright.

Committee members have volunteered to mentor new employees during the pilot study and hope to build meaningful relationships, connect new employees to the MCH community, offer support and encouragement, and provide organizational knowledge.

“I am excited about the Mentor Pilot program and hope that new employees will benefit from having a mentor to help guide them through this new journey here at MCH,” said Frerich. “My goal as a mentor is to help mentees build relationships throughout MCH. I feel that relationships are the foundation to being successful in everything we do.”

Julius McCarter, admissions intake coordinator, and new MCH employee, had this to share, “As a young professional and new employee, I am excited that MCH has an employee mentorship program. It can be difficult navigating the waters of a new place of employment. This program provides me with the opportunity to get acclimated to the culture here, while connecting with staff in different departments.”

Wright added, “The result of the pilot program will help the committee make an informed recommendation to executive management this fall. The value of even one meaningful relationship could make a profound impact on how all employees trust and invest in relationships long-term.”

Austin Brown was matched with new employee Julius McCarter
for the mentor pilot program.