Submitted by San Juan Island Family Resource Center

January is National Mentoring Month and the mentoring program through the San Juan Island Family Resource Center is going strong.

Mentoring has made a positive impact for the children enrolled in the program and guarantees to a young person that there is a non-family member who cares about them and that they are not alone in their day-to-day challenges. Due to the rural island demographic, many children are raised here with no extended family. Research clearly shows that even children who have experienced great stress and adversity are significantly more resilient if they establish a close bond with at least one caring adult. The age range for this program is 7 to17 years old.

To learn more about the role mentoring plays in the community, and exciting volunteer opportunities contact the SJIFRC at 360-378-5246.

To celebrate mentoring month, the Journal is running a two-part Q&A series.

Jan Murphy, mentor, and Shelby Montana, 11, mentee.

Journal: What is your favorite thing to do with your mentor?

Shelby: I like learning new things about my mentor. We do crafts together and make things. We spend time with her family and visit her mom at the senior center.

Journal: Can you describe your mentor in three words?

Shelby: creativity, laughter, animal lover

Journal: What made you want to be a mentor?

Jan: I became a mentor because I wanted to be a positive force in a young person’s life. I don’t have children of my own, but I was very fortunate to have had a wonderful childhood. I want other kids to have the best childhood possible as well.

Journal: What’s your favorite memory:

Jan: Shelby and I have shared some really fun memories, but I would have to say my favorite one was at the end of last summer when we took a picnic to the beach. We sat on a big rock at Fourth of July beach and ate most of an entire cake with two forks!