How many frustrated adults mutter, “Kids today!” when a youngster does something that seemingly defies the logic an adult learned growing up? Adults who participate in New Carlisle’s Family and Youth Initiatives (FYI) mentoring program will have the opportunity to find out exactly kids are thinking, while making Superhero-sized difference in a youth’s life as well.

According to FYI’s Julie Driscoll, a mentoring relationship involves an adult intentionally taking the time to reach out and spend time getting to know a child and what matters to them. In the process, the child gains a role model and trusted friend they can look up to.

Driscoll says the success of FYI’s mentoring program currently in place at Tecumseh High School has inspired FYI to expand the program to Middle School students in the Tecumseh and Greenon School Districts. A key to that expansion is acquiring adult volunteers.

“Mentoring is incredibly important for students because it gives a youth an opportunity to broaden their worldview by getting acquainted with an adult who may come (from a different background) than they do. For adults, the relationship will give them a glimpse into what kids face in today’s world...helping adults develop empathy for our young people”

Driscoll explains how having someone they know will “show up” for them can be reassuring for kids who may not experience that on a regular basis.

“You always see movies about the ‘Avengers’ and other Superheroes who swoop in to save the day. Those movies are exciting to watch; but what’s more exciting for kids is to have someone in their own backyard who takes time out of their day to interact with them one-on-one...to have someone care about them and show interest in the things the child is interested in. Just ‘showing up’ makes a mentor the real, live superhero in the eyes of a student.”

Adults interested in finding out more about becoming a mentor with FYI are invited to attend a training/information seminar from 10 am to 1 pm on Jan. 20 at FYI’s headquarters located at 468 N. Dayton-Lakeview Rd. in New Carlisle. Lunch will be provided.

Trained Mentors will be matched with students in the Tecumseh or Greenon School districts. Mentors are asked to meet with their mentee at least once a week for approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Meetings typically take place at lunchtime or right after school. All visits are monitored for safety purposes.

In addition to the one-on-one meetings, FYI sponsors special group activities like college visits, trips to museums, and service projects.

“This is a great way for adults to give back to the community and learn more about what is important to kids today,” says Dricoll.

For more information about mentoring, or to reserve a spot at FYI’s upcoming Mentoring training, contact Julie Driscoll at 937.845.0343.

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