Finding a path 4 life
"A one-on-one mentor to hold my hand through my journey would have been beyond a dream!"
WHAT’S the difference between a cappuccino and a latte? How do I open a bank account? How do I write a CV, and what should I wear to my first ever job interview? These are just some of the perplexing questions faced regularly by “Pathfinders” from the Jewish community, and the impetus behind the recent launch of Pathways Melbourne’s PATH 4 LIFE, mentor program.
Pathways Melbourne supports and empowers Pathfinders, who are people from Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox communities who are questioning their lifestyle. Pathways explained that it does not encourage people to move away from Jewish religiosity.
The new mentor program PATH 4 LIFE is designed to empower Pathfinders to reach their full potential, through caring peer support provided by volunteers drawn from within the local Jewish community.
Rachel, who has been a Pathfinder since 2018, described how having a mentor would have benefited her.
“A one-on-one mentor to hold my hand through my journey would have been beyond a dream! I needed someone I could trust to reassure me I was ok, and things would improve. I would’ve made smarter choices from a calmer place. I wouldn’t have felt so alone.”
With the support of Cassandra Barrett from Jewish Care, Pathways Melbourne have now trained 13 volunteers to act as both buddies and professional mentors.
Buddy mentors have lived experience of questioning and/or moving away from the Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox lifestyle. They are at hand to listen and walk alongside Pathfinders who are tentatively exploring the broader community and new cultural experiences.
Professional mentors are matched with Pathfinders who want to fulfil their aspirations in a professional capacity, and provide skills-based support such as preparing job applications, tutoring in English and maths, IT support and more.
“We all need a toolbox in our lives to get through different stages,” explained PATH 4 LIFE program manager and Pathways board member, Naomi Swart.
“The PATH 4 LIFE mentor program is there to equip Pathfinders with greater confidence, so they can be independent and create further opportunities for themselves.”
PATH 4 LIFE has been designed to provide safe, confidential support for Pathfinders who have decided to explore a life of self-determination. Importantly, the program does not aim to sway anyone away from Orthodoxy or religious affiliation and is not connected with any religious institutions.
The program has been made possible through the support of the Bennelong Foundation and the Community Bank Caulfield Park (Bendigo Bank).
More information: Naomi Swart info@pathwaysmelbourne.org or pathwaysmelbourne.org/path-for-life-mentor-program
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