Youth Programs

Buddies Program

Benefits of Mentoring

By providing a nurturing, supportive adult relationship, mentoring has proven to reduce the confusion and alienation that a child encounters when he/she does not have a positive or stable adult role available. Mentors can gain increased regard for people of different backgrounds resulting in new friendships and relationships. By sharing strengths and abilities, mentors can realize that they can make a difference and gain a sense of giving back to the community. Under Federal tax laws, the value of your time spent as a volunteer is not deductible. However, out of pocket expenses may be deductible as charitable expenses. Please consult your tax advisor for current rules and regulations.

What Mentoring is Not...

-Mentoring is not a parent/child relationship.
-Mentoring does not take the place of professional counseling or social work services.
-Mentoring is not a panacea for all the problems and deficiencies facing children and their families.

What Does Being a Mentor Mean to You?

It means that you will contribute your time and talents to an area that is without a doubt one of the most crucial in the development of a child...his/her self-image and feelings of acceptance within the community. You will work in a variety of different ways, all calculated to extend and diversity his/her learning opportunities. You will, in your involvement with the program, receive the satisfaction of having contributed something really worthwhile to your community.

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