Wednesday, August 11, 2004

Impact the Future: Become a Mentor

For a small commitment of time, adult volunteers can have a positive and lasting effect on a child. As volunteer mentors they can offer support and guidance to youth as they learn to become self-sufficient adults.

"Mentoring works," stated Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson. Research confirms that young people with mentors are more likely to remain in school, achieve better grades, avoid risky behaviors and pursue higher education.

"Adults who mentor impact the future," he added. "The youth that they help today may be more likely to help others tomorrow. Mentoring serves to ensure an improved quality of life for future generations."

For the past seven years, Atlantic County's Healthy Youth Development Mentoring Program has been working to strengthen families by enriching the lives of women and adolescent girls. Adult, female mentors work with adolescent girls to address self-esteem and health, set goals and priorities, and partake in educational field trips and group activities. More than 225 young women have already benefited from this program.

Participating mentors must be 18 years or older and have completed high school or possess a GED. They must volunteer one hour per week for one school year. A three-hour training session is provided. The program is supported by the Atlantic County Family Centers in Egg Harbor Township and Pleasantville, the Atlantic City Police Athletic League and the Fanny D. Rittenberg School in Egg Harbor City.

For more information, please contact Nina Philips, Program Coordinator, at 645-7700, ext. 4524.

County News