REACH OUT, BE A MENTOR AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Mentors can make a difference! They enhance a youngster's well-being, self-confidence, and self-esteem -- all things that improve a youngster's school performance and overall social skills. Volunteer mentors and mentees spend time together approximately twice a month and share low-key, low-cost activities while keeping the focus on friendship.

What do mentors and mentees like to do? Ride bikes, go to movies, make cookies, share hobbies, go to parks, do homework, play board games, visit the mentor's workplace, go swimming or fishing, play video games, rollerblade, go to museums, play ball and frisbee, or simply hang out! Volunteer to be a mentor today and make a difference in a child's lifetime of tomorrows! For more information and a mentor and/or a mentee application call 470-3224 or email tvmldirector@yahoo.com with your name, address, zip code and phone number.

Being a mentor is one of the most time-efficient, high-impact, and rewarding volunteer opportunities available today. And youngsters who have the opportunity to be mentored build self-confidence and self-esteem.

What is a volunteer mentor?

A volunteer mentor is someone who commits to building a friendship with a youngster in order to enhance the youngster's well-being, build confidence, and simple share some fun.

Big Brother Bill and Little Brother Russell celebrate the Outstanding Mentor of the Year Award for 2004 presented to Bill by the Mentoring Center of Central Ohio at the January Statehouse kick-off to National Mentoring Month.

How much time does it take to be a volunteer mentor?

After completing application materials and participating in an enrollment process and training procedure, mentors are asked to spend time with their mentees twice monthly for an initial commitment of one year.

Can teenagers be mentors?

Yes, during the school year teens can mentor youngsters weekly by participating in a supervised, school-based mentoring program in the Upper Arlington and Grandview Heights School Districts that builds skills and earns them community service credit. This program is in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio.

How do younsters benefit from having a mentor?

Youngsters who experience and embrace mentoring friendships grow in self-confidence, school performance, and overall social skills. Mentoring can make a real and meaningful difference in a youngster's life.