CLEARLAKE – Lake County Youth Services is working toward establishing a One-on-One Mentoring program at the local youth activity center on Golf Avenue. The program will be aimed at providing youth with role models to help guide them into a prosperous and healthy future.
“So many of our kids are missing a role model in their lives, someone who can spend one-on-one time with a child,” said Gigi Mattos, youth services supervisor. “We are looking for mentors that are available to commit to at least one hour a week for a 12 month period, to make a difference in the life of a child.”
Mentors provide support and structure for children, especially those at risk, in effort to help them grow to their full potential. Volunteers will be matched with young people who want or need a responsible adult in their lives, according to their interests. Mattos said successful partnerships can offer a positive experience for both the mentor as well as the child.
“Working with children and seeing their successes is such a gratifying experience,” Mattos said. “By matching children with a compatible mentor we hope to provide an experience that will enrich both the life of the child as well as the mentor.”
Mattos said there is a significant need in the community for responsible adult role models. “A lot of our kids are left to fend for themselves because of various circumstances,” she said. “Our program will ensure that each child will be listened to, have a voice and a safe and fun environment to thrive in with a mentor who cares and has the same or similar interests.”
Volunteers will be required to submit to a background check and complete an application process that includes interviews with both the mentors and mentees. Upon completion, mentors will be matched with children to whom they are most compatible.
“Being a mentor can change your life and more importantly, it can change the life of a child,” Mattos concluded.
To learn more about the One-on-One Mentoring program at Lake County Youth Services, contact Gigi Mattos at 994-7281.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com
