Mentors

Mentors make a difference. Studies show that students who have a mentor tend to do better in school and have higher graduation rates. Mentors see talents and gifts sometimes hidden to a student and help to bring them out. This extra adult friend is often the boost in self-confidence a child needs.

Our program connects staff and students throughout the organization – administrators, teachers, counselors, donor care staff – all are welcome to apply. For our students, the connection is one more person who they know is there for them. Staff receive training and are matched with students who have similar interests such as reading, sports, crafts or music.

Students are referred to the program by any staff person who feels the student needs more one-on-one contact with an adult or doesn’t have as many opportunities to see their family or to benefit from an engaged adult in their lives.

The mentor committee hosts events throughout the year, such as roller skating, trips to the corn maze and bowling. Also, mentors are encouraged to spend two to six hours per month individually with their matches. Examples of activities mentors and matches enjoy are going out to eat, attending sporting events, going for walks and doing crafts.