MENTORING ― PREPARING OUR KIDS FOR SUCCESS!
In honor of President Obama's proclamation stating that January is officially National Mentoring Month in America; Community Outreach Ministry of Wildomar would like to share how their mentoring program is preparing at-risk kids for success.
Why Mentoring? The need is great! 40% of American Children are born to unwed mothers. Children raised by single moms face many more obstacles in life and are considered more “at-risk” than children in two-parent homes. (US Center for Disease Control, 2006) Our mentoring program targets children of prisoners who are six to seven times higher at-risk in becoming the next generation of inmates. We are reaching and matching children as young as six through eighteen years of age. Our desire is to reach them and prepare them academically, preventing school dropout, crime, violence, abuse, poverty, and a host of related problems with disadvantaged, low-income, troubled youth. Mentoring helps kids connect with caring adults who can lead them toward healthy and productive lives.
Here is the story of how one of our Mentors, Lindsay Shepardson of Wildomar, is giving kids purpose, destiny, and prosperity by making a positive difference in the lives of at- risk kids in our community, cities, and the nation as a whole.
“Do you remember the first person you looked up to? The person who could not make any mistakes, whose originality made you speechless, and changed you forever? You may have called that person a mentor or best friend, but basically, you wanted to be just like them. Sometimes the person you look up to fails you, but others can change you for the better, create a better you. For me, that person was my second grade teacher. She helped me see that I had a gift; she made me aware of my ability to be there for my fellow person. I will always remember Mrs. Theresa and the impact she had on my life. Now, I want to give back as a mentor, counselor, and cheerleader to make youngsters feel valued, gifted, and to possess a winning spirit.
“Every year at summer camp, I try to be an example for my campers/mentees. I do my best to be ‘that’ person (or at least one of them) they come to for advice and guidance when they need answers. ‘That’ person they remember when someone offers them drugs; ‘that’ person they can call when they are scared; ‘that’ person who made them believe in themselves. Our week at camp is short so I am grateful that I have the privilege of being a year-round role model empowering lives through the Community Outreach Mentoring Program (COMP).
“For the past three years, I have hosted a Christmas party for my campers. I invite my usual girls over to my house for a slumber party. The party begins with a trip to In-N-Out Burgers, followed by Christmas light looking, and baking and decorating Christmas cookies. The party gives the girls a chance to re-connect with one another and reflect upon past memories from camp. These girls are not average; their lives are not those of the All-American girl. They are being raised by single moms. Their lives are up and down with different people and caregivers coming in and out of their lives with shallow promises of a better tomorrow. These kids deserve to have someone to lean on and a friend to laugh with! After the party, Tiffani (11 years old) explained to me how she looks forward to our Christmas slumber party every year! ‘I love being able to see my friends from camp!’ As a mentor, coach and listener, it feels good to have such great friends and raise their expectations for a prosperous future!”
How you can help? Community Outreach Ministry is raising $7,500.00 for a matching grant opportunity in the Race for Humanity this April 24, 2010, at Mt. San Jacinto College Campus in Menifee. The grant is being matched by Supervisor Jeff Stone’s Third District. It is a joint venture of private partners joining private sponsors and public contributions for the successful financial benefit of deserving non-profit organizations who participate in the Race for Humanity.
You can help by joining our team ― by walking/running, making pledges and donations. All checks are to be made payable to Race for Humanity and in the memo of the check indicate Charity #11 Community Outreach Ministry. Please mail donations to Community Outreach Ministry at 23905 Clinton Keith, Suite 114 #116, Wildomar, CA. 92595 or call 951-698-7650 for pick up of contributions. Proceeds will benefit scholarships for year-round mentor/mentee matches, school supplies, tutoring materials and admission fees for mentees to engage in fun outings with their mentors. Tax-deductible receipts will be provided by Community Outreach Ministry. To get involved and join the team, volunteer or become a sponsor, contact us at 951-698-7650 or info@communityoutreachministry.org.