WANTED: MENTEES FOR TEAMMATES PROGRAM

The Centennial TeamMates Program is into its second year with 8 matches.  Our goal is to have 20 matches and possibly more in the near future.  We have had two trainings and have mentors waiting to be matched with a student (mentee).  Our problem is that students being nominated are not returning the necessary parent permission forms to allow them into the program.  So I thought I would take the time to explain what TeamMates is all about.

TEAMMATES is a program started in 1991 by Tom and Nancy Osborne to provide support and encouragement to school aged youth by matching them with an adult mentor.  The goal of the program is to positively impact the world by inspiring youth to reach their full potential through mentoring.  To reach this goal, youth meet one hour per week or class period with a caring adult who serves as a mentor.  Mentors are volunteers from the community who have dedicated themselves to making a difference in the life of a young person.  Mentors must go through an application/screening process before they can be matched with a mentee.  They fill out an application in which they give three references.  They go through a child abuse and criminal background check, and then attend a training.  TeamMates is a school based program, which means all meetings occur at the school.

Mentees can be nominated by teachers, parents, themselves, etc.  Once nominated a letter of nomination and application will be sent home.  Mentees cannot be a part of the program without parent permission.  In an ideal world, every young person would have a caring adult relationship to help guide them down the right path.  The mission of the TeamMates program is to make that dream a reality.  All young people have great talents, and if they have support and positive influences in their lives, they can and will succeed.  So if you receive a nomination letter at home, please fill it out and get it back to Marge Rhodes, the program coordinator, as soon as possible, so we can match your child with an adult mentor.  This is a very worthwhile program!  If you have any questions, you may contact members from our advisory board.  They are Joyce Shriner, President; Jennifer Bargen, Vice-President; Megan Hammer, Secretary; Pamela George, Treasurer; Lana Hoffschneider, member; Tony Conell, member; Bruce Borchers member, and Kathy Heine, member