Mentor program a worthy endeavor
A lot of times at-risk youths are on the edge of going one way,
the right direction, or the other. And oftentimes, the influence of
an important mentor, or mentors, can be all the difference in the
world.
Mentor program a worthy endeavor
A lot of times at-risk youths are on the edge of going one way, the right direction, or the other. And oftentimes, the influence of an important mentor, or mentors, can be all the difference in the world.
This is why a relatively new program that is run through the county probation department, and paid for by a grant, is such a worthy cause. The program links up juveniles who are on probation with relevant role models, or mentors. Participation is voluntary and cannot relate to any court orders. It started in September, and while there are just four pairs taking part right now, program leaders hope to expand the number of participants in the near future.
Retired Hollister police Capt. Richard Vasquez is heading it up and spoke recently with Weekend Pinnacle City Editor Melissa Flores about its potential benefits to the community, which are especially important at a time when resources are so scarce, and when residents are increasingly prone to taking desperate measures.
One of the bright spots in particular about the new program is that while it strives to involve the parents, it also takes into account the need for kids to bond with others – to gain influences, perhaps, outside the home as well. Poor parenting obviously can play a major role in the choices children make, but that is not always the case. Many parents want to be involved in their kids’ lives. Many parents try as hard as they can. Parental influence, though, is not always the most effective means toward dealing with a child’s transgressions. In some cases, a peer of similar age or background, with similar interests, can connect in a way that parents can’t.
Vasquez and other program leaders recognize the importance of those bonds, too, and so they wisely are emphasizing, if possible, connecting students and mentors based on career interests. Talking about future goals and career interests is a natural way for two strangers to spark conversation, to take that first step toward getting to truly know each other.
There are some requirements for prospective mentors – such as being fingerprinted and lacking a felony for at least 10 years – and rightly so considering the students should have a personified example of what it takes to succeed.
We encourage anyone with time, with drive and passion for youths, to get involved. You never know – you might be that one big difference in a child’s life.
