Submitted by Ray Galloway
(December 1, 2023) — During the holidays and beyond, you may be looking for opportunities to support your community, your neighbors and, especially, the children. If this goal seems to match your aspirations, then you may want to consider becoming a Mentor for a student. Perhaps you have considered becoming a Mentor for a child in our community, but for whatever reason, you have simply not acted upon your thought. Please read further for some added encouragement to follow-up on your idea.
Children who participate in formalized mentoring programs may:
- Show improved school attendance;
- Show improved self-esteem;
- Show improved school engagement;
- Be less likely to start using illegal drugs and alcohol;
- Show improved relationships with adults;
- Improve their school performance;
- Show increased participation in extra-curricular activities;
- Experience higher graduation rates and be more likely to enroll in post-secondary education programs.
As a Mentor, you can have a positive impact on a child in your community. A Mentor is a role model, a friend, a listener, and a confidant. Children selected for the program are matched with an adult mentor who has received training and has agreed to a formalized background check. Children meet with their mentors for an hour each week during the school year and in the school setting.
If you have an interest in learning more about the Haddam-Killingworth Youth & Family Services Mentoring Program, and in possibly applying to become a mentor, please contact Patty Coletti, Program Coordinator, at: mentorprogram@hkyfs or call 860-345-7498. She is convening informational meetings for prospective mentors on January 10, 2024 and January 17, 2024 at a time/place to be determined. Training for new mentors is being planned for late January, 2024.
You can make a favorable difference in the life of a child while acting upon your desire to give back to the community. We extend our hope that you have a peaceful and joyous holiday.
