Sunday, August 21, 2011

Be a Mentor!

Posted by: Noël Jones

West Ward resident, Althea Ruffin, is working with the YMCA to help put together a mentoring program for our city's youth. The program is a joint venture with Easton Police Athletic/Activities League (EPAL). Althea is a great person, so if you've ever considered being a mentor to a child in our community, I encourage to you get in touch with her. Below is a message about the program from Althea, as well as her contact information:


Wanted: Character Builders 
We need folks who are willing to share their time and experiences with our at-risk teens. Mentors must complete a mandatory enrollment packet, complete with criminal background check and child abuse clearance.  Selected mentors will undergo training and will be required to meet with mentees once a week, for one hour and assist with monthly scheduled community projects. All mentor/mentee(s) contact will be at the Family YMCA of Easton. Many at-risk teens in our community are in need of positive, stable and reliable relationships. Mentoring is an effective way to counteract these risks. Data indicates that teen mentoring programs have reduced first time drug use by 50% and first time alcohol use by 33%. If you ever had someone who made a difference in your life or wish you had, this is the time to stand up and be counted.  If you want to begin to make a difference in your community, this is where it starts. If you are interested in participating or in need of additional information, please contact: Althea Ruffin, Teen Mentor Coordinator althea@familyymca.org or 610-258-6158 x14

5 comments:

noel jones said...

if anyone has had a good mentoring experience--whether as the mentor or mentee, say, in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, please post a comment and tell us about it!

tunsie said...

I cant be a mentor honey...the kid would probably ask his parents for a cigar after dinner...and then he would call everone CRAZYHEADS...Im a bad influence dear...I cant do that...I yuv U noel..tunsie

noel jones said...

at least you're honest, tunsie!

Employment Background Check said...

Mentors should also undergo background check as there are some who has criminal records.

background check company said...

The mentor applicant should undergo a background check screening to ensure the safeness of their student and to avoid child abuse.