FULTON, NY – If you’ve ever wanted to make a difference in a young person’s life and share your talents and interests with others, Catholic Charities of Oswego County has the perfect opportunity for you.
Unique to Oswego County, Catholic Charities’ Community Based Mentoring Program seeks to provide youth ages 8 to 17 with a mental diagnosis, access to adult mentors who can truly make a difference in their lives.
Designed to help young people reach their potential, the program is currently recruiting adults to assist young people in developing the confidence and character they need to succeed in life, and become productive members of the community.
Gail Cooper said mentors are paired with young people based on their personalities, likes, dislikes, and other similarities.
“We strive to ensure that the match will be beneficial to both the mentor and the mentee. Mentors receive the satisfaction of knowing that they are making a difference in someone’s life, giving back to their community, and learning about themselves, all while having fun and sharing quality time with a young person. For the mentees, the program helps them gain self esteem, improve their social and academic skills and experience positive social interaction,” she explained.
Those participating in the program as mentors receive $10 per hour for their efforts as well a reimbursement for any mileage associated with their duties as a mentor.
“We are looking for caring, responsible adults who would like to provide youth with support, counsel, friendship, and constructive reinforcement. Mentors do not need any special skills or training, by sharing their personal experiences and their talents, mentors will be positive role models who demonstrate how the mentees can learn from good decisions. Interaction between the mentor and mentee is essential to the success of the program as the youth learn through communication and participation,” said Cooper.
To accommodate today’s busy schedules, the program offers considerable flexibility for the mentors, as they will meet with their mentee at times that are convenient for both.
“We all have unique talents that we can share with young people that need our special gifts and support. I encourage our community members to consider becoming a mentor and experience for themselves the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping your community by helping to shape the for future for our youth and making a difference in a young person’s life,” added Cooper.
For information on becoming a mentor with Catholic Charities of Oswego County’s Community Mentoring Program, visit www.ccoswego.com or contact Cooper or Karen Davies-Buckley at (315) 598-3980 or via e-mail at: [email protected] or [email protected]
Catholic Charities of Oswego County serves all people in need regardless of their religious affiliation.
Primary funding sources for Catholic Charities of Oswego County’s programs are the United Way of Greater Oswego County, the Diocesan Hope Appeal, the County of Oswego and private donations by individuals and local companies and organizations.
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