By Daily Press staff
Recognizing the need for positive role models in young Santa Monicans’ lives, the local Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles and Virginia Avenue Park to find mentors for local youth.
The summer months have been targeted as a time of outreach and recruitment for volunteers who are interested in making a difference in their community, as well as for signing up local youth into the program. Santa Monican boys and girls, ages 6 through 16, will be matched with Big Brothers and Big Sisters who serve as mentors, friends and role models for the youth. Anyone who is over 18 years old, has a safe driving record, and passes the extensive background check and screening process is eligible to be a mentor. A one-year commitment is required.
Though potential mentors may be intimidated or overwhelmed, spending time with local youth and being a positive role model can be a very rewarding experience.
Some mentors teach a child in their community how to ride a bike; others take them on their first picnic. Most importantly, mentors can change the course of a young person’s life for the better.
Ty Treadway, a three-time Emmy nominee and Big Brother to a young Santa Monican, has stressed the importance of donating his time to mentoring.
“Not everyone is lucky enough to be born with two loving parents that are strong role models,” he said. “There are so many really great kids out there that could use the positive guidance of a caring mentor. And you may just be surprised by all the fun you end up having.”
The mentoring program is part of an ongoing effort to curb gang violence in Santa Monica. According to a national study, children who are matched with caring mentors do better academically, are less likely to be involved with alcohol or drugs, are less likely to engage in gang violence, and have better relationships with their parents and peers compared with those who do not have mentors. Interviews for potential mentors and mentees are ongoing.Anyone interested in signing up can contact Sheila Estaniel at (310) 393-9825, ext. 10.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 3, 2006. Read the original PDF.