January marks the 15th annual National Mentoring Month, and the San Juan Mentoring program is participating in this campaign aimed atexpanding quality mentoring opportunities to connect more of our community’s young people with caring adults.
“There is a powerful mentoring effect demonstrated by research and the experiences of young people who are connected to a mentor in reallife,” said Barbara Ellis 4-H mentor program coordinator.
Mentoring is linked to improved academic social and economic prospects for young people, and that ultimately strengthens our community.
Research has shown when matched through a quality mentoring program, mentors can play a powerful role in providing youth with the toolsto make responsible decisions stay focused and engaged in school and reduce or avoid risky behavior like skipping school, drug use andother negative activities.
As we focus on engaging more community members in volunteering as mentors, we will share a simple message: Mentoring relationshipsare basic human connections that let a young person know that they matter.
As we embrace the New Year with personal resolution and goals, consider becoming a mentor in 2016. There are children in our communityages 8 to 14 who are waiting to join our program.
To learn more about the role mentoring plays in our community and to learn about volunteer opportunities contact:
Jennifer Armstrong, director San Juan Family Resource Center
360-378-5246
Barbara Ellis, mentor program coordinator
WSU extension 4-H
360-370-7665
