On Jan. 3, Gov. Maggie Hassan declared January 2014 Youth Mentoring Month in New Hampshire, to coincide with National Mentoring Month efforts in the field. This proclamation gives a specific nod to the Friends Youth Mentoring Program. The Friends Youth Mentoring Program has served 27 cities and towns in Merrimack County for 39 years. The governor’s proclamation recognizes the fact that over the years, the Friends Youth Mentoring Program has connected thousands of mentors to our region’s young people, cultivating relationships that provide important support and guidance as these youngsters grow and develop into our next generation of citizens.
The honor recognizes the benefits the Friends Youth Mentoring Program continues to provide and highlights their quality work on behalf of children at risk or in need. The simple act of being a consistent presence in a young person’s life through a quality mentoring relationship is proven to help improve school attendance and academic achievement, promote responsible decision-making, and provide skills to better navigate relationships at school, socially, and at home.
The governor’s proclamation states, “The State of New Hampshire is committed to meeting the needs of its young people and supporting reputable and effective resources, and the Friends Youth Mentoring program is a longstanding, fine example.”
The Friends Youth Mentoring Program hopes the recognition catalyzes new mentors to volunteer time and talents. The agency hopes bringing attention to mentoring possibilities will help with year-round strategies that assist in growing their capacity to ensure every youngster who seeks a mentor is connected to the right caring person. The agency is in need of resources that would build their capacity to address a wait list of children hoping for a mentor. The majority of children served face below poverty level circumstances. As agency services are free of charge to families, the program depends on the humanity and community-mindedness of others, as they strive to keep program opportunities accessible.
“We are all very pleased with the governor’s support and recognition of youth mentoring by proclaiming January Youth Mentoring Month,” said Tim McGinley, president of the board of trustees at the Friends Program. “We all share a common interest in providing trained and capable mentors for our young people. Supportive mentors can be the difference between struggle and success for some children. If area citizens have the time and interest in mentoring a child, they would be helping youngsters from their own community move towards fulfilling their hopes and dreams, in addition to enriching their own lives.”
National Youth Mentoring Month, which is recognized by presidential and congressional proclamation, is led by MENTOR – the National Mentoring Partnership, the Harvard School of Public Health, the Corporation for National Community Service, the United Way Worldwide, and the Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention; all involved in their own campaign to invite more citizens nationwide to mentor. Their campaign promotes, “Be someone who matters to someone who matters.”
Call 228-1193, ext. 217, or email tsmith@friendsprogram.org for more information.
