Submitted by Patty Coletti, Haadam-Killingworth Youth & Family Services
(January 4, 2023) — Have you considered becoming a mentor for a child in our community? As a mentor, you can have a positive impact on a boy or girl in your community. Mentors are volunteers from the community who have:
–Applied to the HKYFS Mentoring Program to become a mentor.
–Agreed to participate in an initial two-hour training program.
–Completed an interview.
–Submitted a list of references.
–Have agreed to a formalized background check.
Mentors meet with their mentees for an hour each week during the school year and in the school setting. A mentor is a role model, a friend, a listener, a confidant. Children who participate in formalized mentoring programs may:
- Experience higher graduation rates and be more likely to enroll in post-secondary education programs.
- Show improved school attendance.
- Show improved self-esteem and 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.
If you have an interest in learning more about the HKYFS Mentoring Program, and possibly applying to become a mentor, please contact Patty Coletti, Program Coordinator, at 860-345-7498 or patty@hkyfs.org. She will schedule an informational meeting for prospective mentors. You can make a positive difference in the life of a child.
