It’s National Mentoring Month, and the Youth Mentoring Network through Youth Services System, Inc. provides an opportunity for the community to give back. Youth Mentoring Network Coordinator, Ashley Flaherty, oversees the program in Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel, and Tyler Counties in addition to Belmont County in Ohio. The program has been so successful, there is currently a waitlist for mentees.
“Our program is designed to match children facing adversity in some form with a one on one mentor. Through this, our children can gain a positive influence in their lives.” Mentors can provide support academically, but also can focus on social and emotional skills. “Teachers and administrators are often a perfect fit for this, but it’s not limited to teachers. Mentors need a big heart. Every successful adult had a successful relationship with someone who guided them as a child, and if they are willing to pass that on, they could be a great mentor,” states Flaherty.
Ohio County Schools currently has three mentors with one additional staff member in the process of orientation. Interested in being a mentor? All applicants must be over 18, have car insurance, pass a background check, and be willing to work with the child for a one year designation while meeting approximately 4 hours per month. If you feel you might be a good fit as a mentor, or you know a child who would benefit from this program, please check out the Youth Mentoring Network for additional information. The Youth Mentoring Network Coordinator, Ashley, can also be reached directly at aflaherty@ysswv.com or 304-559-2239.