January is National Mentoring Month!
According to the National Mentoring Partnership (NMP), one in three young people will grow up without a mentor. But for those fortunate to have and regularly meet with a mentor, 46% less likely than their peers to start using illegal drugs, 27% less likely to start drinking, and 55% are more likely enroll in college.
National Mentoring Month was established in 2002 to promote youth mentoring across the United States. Having a mentor can be critical to achieving both academic and personal goals. Studies point to increases in confidence and performance as well as decreases in risky behavior in youth who are mentored.
Someone who cares
Mentoring guarantees that young people have someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day situations, and makes them feel important. It can also have powerful positive effects on young people in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations. NMP states that a reduction in school absenteeism and recurring behavioral problems are lessened if the youth has a mentor.
When you spend quality time with a young person, you show them that they are worth the time. And when a young person knows that YOU believe in them, it becomes easier for them to believe in themselves and it sets them up for success.
Mentoring is…
- Talking through a problem challenge
- Sharing life experiences
- Helping with homework or career assistance
- Playing sports or a board game
- Reading a book together
- Going to dinner and a movie
- Trying out a hobby together
- Exploring a local city or park
- Volunteering together
Most of all…mentoring is about sharing your time!
Acenda’s Mentoring Opportunities
Acenda currently offers one youth mentoring program, Adolescent Mentoring Program, which matches mentors with youth living in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties.
Acenda is grateful to have wonderful volunteers who devote their time to our mentoring programs. Mentoring is a unique opportunity for individuals to work with at-risk adolescents and truly make an impact on the lives of our clients and our community at large.
For more information on our Adolescent Mentoring Program, call Jennifer Kacewich, Mentor Specialist, at 844-422-3632, ext. 1218 or jkacewich@acendahealth.org.
Source: National Mentoring Partnership