By Daily Press staff
Ceremonial candles were recently lit to celebrate back-to-school night at St. Joseph Center’s Sisters For Success annual dinner with the theme, “A New Year, A New You.” Eighteen mentors, teens, parents and staff attended the ceremony that highlights affirmations, relationships and goals for the coming year.
“We try to build the connection between mentor, teenager and parent that will have the greatest constructive impact on the teenager and the community,” said Maria Alderete, coordinator of volunteers. “They (the parents) expect St. Joseph Center to affect the teens in a way that will encourage them to make positive choices in their lives.”
Sisters For Success strives to meet the considerable needs of teenagers through self-esteem building activities through various programs that expand their horizons and envision a brighter future. Activities include camping trips, visits to businesses, health talks, volunteering, conferences and college scholarship resources.
“I want my daughter to stay in school,” said one participating parent. “I want her to take advantage of all the opportunities for success.”
Applications are currently being accepted for volunteer adult mentors to work directly with teens enrolled in this program.
“We are looking for success-oriented men and women to mentor boys, 11-14, and girls, 13-17, who will focus on developing good study habits and building self-esteem,” Alderete said. “The program requires a commitment of 12-15 hours per month, and fingerprint and driver’s license clearance is required.”
St. Joseph Center assists more than 7,000 working poor and homeless adults and children, veterans and seniors each year to achieve self-sufficiency through emergency services, food distribution, case management, child care, job training and senior services. For more information call (310) 396-6468, ext. 325, or visit www.stjosephctr.org.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 15, 2004. Read the original PDF.