At PLAN, we’re proud to have a team of dedicated mentors who walk alongside families through the lifelong journey of planning for a good life. Many of our mentoAll Postsrs work part-time, balancing their roles at PLAN with family responsibilities, community involvement, creative pursuits, or other professional commitments. This rhythm of part-time work is intentional — and it reflects our belief in sustainability, both for families and for the people who support them.
Mentors are here to help families think long-term, build networks, navigate systems, and hold onto their vision for a full and meaningful life for their loved one with a disability. That kind of planning takes heart, presence, and time — not just in meetings or on phone calls, but in the thoughtful space in between, where we reflect, prepare, and connect the dots.
And it also takes clarity and care.
We know that the needs of families don’t always fit neatly into a schedule. Our Mentors often work evenings, weekends, and holidays — whenever support is needed and relationships are calling. That flexibility is one of the strengths of this role. But even in flexible roles, it’s important to have shared understanding about when and how to connect, so Mentors can continue to show up in ways that are consistent, grounded, and sustainable.
That’s why we’re working to make communication practices clearer — both for families and for our team.
This month, we’ve begun creating some simple tools and templates to help Mentors share their availability and preferred ways of staying in touch. We’re also formalizing a phone allowance policy, so Mentors who use their personal phones for work can do so with support — without being always “on.”
We believe that building long-term relationships requires trust, transparency, and mutual care. When Mentors are supported to respond with flexibility and have space to rest and recharge, everyone benefits. Families get thoughtful, grounded support. Mentors stay energized and well. And the relationships we’re building together remain rooted in respect and reciprocity.
That’s the work we’re here to do. Together, and in a way that sustains us all.