E.G. Student Mentoring Program

 

The fact is that kids with mentors are*:             53% less likely to skip school             45% less likely to begin using illicit drugs             33% less likely to use violence             27% less likely to begin using                        alcohol    *Big Brothers/Big Sisters Assoc. of America study

What is Mentoring?
Mentoring is the process of developing a significant relationship with a child.  The relationship is built on mutual trust that is gained over a period of time.  By making a connection with a child, you send the message that:
1. you are worth my time because you are a valuable human being
2. I can offer you ways to expand your horizons and increase the likelihood of achieving success.

This relationship fosters a strong sense of self for the child, helping him achieve academic and personal goals.

Where you can help
You can make a difference at all three levels of education -- elementary, junior high, or high school.  No matter what age, a mentor makes a significant difference in a child's life. With just an hour or less per week,
you can make a hugh difference for a deserving child.The program is open to all students, teachers, parents and others may refer a child into the program.

A Rapidly Expanding Program
Did you know that the E.G. Strategic Support Mentoring Program has only been in place since 1999?  That's just 5 years to grow from 3 mentors to over 100 mentors working with over 200 children in the 2003-2004 school!  Teachers, parents and students all agree that the Mentoring Program is an important part of the Frenchtown community. Our yearly program evaluation demonstrates
excellent outcomes: student with mentors improved in their attendance, behaviors, attitude, self esteem, peer relations, and academic work!

A Small Commitment
With less than one hour a week, mentors provide the emotional, academic and social support a child needs to be a successful individual as he or she grows into an adult.  When children feel good about themselves, they strive to succeed.  They believe in themselves and it shows.

Working within your schedule
We know everyone has a busy schedule and we make every effort to work within your time frame.  Because the commitment is than 1 hour a week, it truly represents a small investment of time that reaps a tremendous reward.  Typically, it is easy to match your preferred time with a child's available time.   If you are not comfortable working with a child, but you would still like to help, we have a great need for administrative volunteers in addition to our need for mentors.. or in one of of homework clubs after school.

More Mentors are always needed
If you know someone -- another parent, a grandparent, an older student -- that you think would enjoy pursuing this type of volunteer work, mention it to them and pass along the information below.  Many people want to help out in their community, however, they just don't know where to turn or what type of volunteer opportunities are available.

If you've got questions, we've got answers
If you would like to speak with the director -- Nina Mackta -- about the program or just ask some questions, you can reach her at Meadowbrook Farms school at 398-1634 or email her at rid02877@ride.ri.net.  There is a variety of ways in which you can participate in the mentoring program:

One to one mentoring (with one child) One to two mentoring (with two children) Facilitate within a homework club after school Assist at family and special events Be a reading buddy Assist with in-class special projects Work with small groups during the school day Help with the administration of the Mentoring Program           a. provide clerical administrative support (ie. web site development,                 mailings, create displays in schools, etc)           b. help recruit new mentors -- other moms and dads, grandparents, college students or older high school                 children, etc.           c. assist with the speakers bureau           d. participate in the Mentoring Advisory Group       : Call NOW to begin making a difference in East Greenwich -Be A Mentor!