By Doug Baxter
The Champions Mentoring Program through Communities in Schools of Lakewood is in great shape as we close out 2009. This has been a tough year for many kids and families in Lakewood but we are lucky to have caring adults give the best gift of all…their time. Our mentors are doing some amazing things in just an hour a week. They are helping raise the grades of their mentees, building their self-esteem and just plain being a supportive presence in their lives. We are lucky to have such a great group of dedicated mentors and we can’t thank them enough for the time they give to our kids.
There are over 20 youth currently waiting for a mentor and giving the gift of time and friendship has never been easier. All it takes is an hour a week to spend with a youth during the school day. This could be a lunch hour or anywhere that works in your schedule. Communities in Schools provides training, support, activity ideas and goal setting tools.
While getting lots of new mentors might be our holiday wish, the best part of working with CISL has been hearing the great stories of our youth. One of our newest mentees was recently asked how his first meeting with his mentor went. He didn’t say a word but he didn’t have to. His grin from ear to ear said it all. To learn more about becoming a mentor, visit www.lakewood.ciswa.org. You can also call us at 253-589-7489 or email us.