By Daily Press staff
Volunteers are needed for a new mentorship program that pairs adults with at-risk youth ranging from 12-18 years old in an effort to help the students increase their life options and inspire them to create a better future for themselves.
The program is part of Saint John’s Child and Family Development Center’s Youth Development Project, which serves about 150 youth annually with on-site counseling at three Santa Monica schools.
Mentors need to be able to spend at least four hours per month with their student, have additional contact with them via phone or e-mail, be at least 22 years old and attend monthly peer meetings for ongoing training and support.
“Many of the students involved in our youth development program suffer from depression and low self esteem,” says Dion-Cherie Raymond, program developer of the mentorship program. “Having a role model to talk to in a comfortable, supportive environment can really make a difference in their lives.”
An aspect of the program is that mentors are supported and trained by professional therapists already involved in the youth development project, a school-based intervention program dealing with issues such as school dropouts, gang involvement, suicide prevention and drug abuse.
“Programs that involve mentors help bridge the gap between failure and success for many at-risk kids. The students are not the only ones who benefit — the mentors feel a great sense of accomplishment and pride as the relationship grows and flourishes,” Raymond said.
To find out more about the mentorship program, call (310) 829-8495.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 29, 2003. Read the original PDF.