Training set for Feb. 22
Approximately 40 Indian Lake Middle School seventh- and eighth-grade students have been selected by teachers and staff to take part in a new community mentoring project that is starting in the upcoming weeks.
Organizers are seeking mentors from the community to pair with students who they believe could benefit from having an additional positive adult role model. The first round of training takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Indian Lake Community Church Fellowship Hall.
The program is made possible through a three-year, $33,000 grant from Consolidated Care Inc. that has two parts. Already this year, middle school students have completed projects incorporating the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets.
Indian Lake Community Church Pastor Jim Ellington, Bud Christman from Bud’s Marine and Cecilia Yelton from Consolidated Care Inc. are helping to identify mentors locally. Mr. Ellington plans to serve as a mentor himself.
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Pastor Jim Ellington meets with 7th grader Xavier Green for the first time as part of the Community Connectors grant at ILMS. (PHOTO | INDIAN LAKE SCHOOLS) |
“I see the schools gaining traction and community support. But through surveys, we see that some kids don’t feel like the community is in tune to or supportive of them,” he said. “I think a program like this will show students that we do care.”
ILMS Co-Principal Missy Mefford said mentors will be called upon to meet with students at school a few times a month. They might be asked to help with homework, talk to students about future career interests, or just be a friend who listens.
She notes potential mentors will go through a short training and be subject to fingerprinting and background checks for the safety of the students.
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Mr. Ellington at Indian Lake Community Church by calling 834-5636, e-mailing Bud Christman at [email protected] or calling Consolidated Care Inc. at (877) 926-0957.
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