By Heather Berry - Chadron TeamMates Coordinator
January 1st marks the start of National Mentoring Month. Nationwide, programs are honoring mentors for their service and the impact they’re making on youth.
This Friday, January 12th, thirty-seven individuals from our community will be recognized for their time and commitment to the Chadron TeamMates Mentoring Program. Chadron TeamMates Mentors will be recognized at halftime of the Chadron High Boys Basketball game, scheduled for 7 p.m. TeamMates is always looking for more adult volunteers (mentors) who want to build a positive relationship with a student in order to help them reach their full potential. You can start mentoring anytime during the school year. By volunteering just one time a week, you could make a difference in the life of a child. Students (mentees) can be nominated one of three ways. They can be nominated by a parent, a school staff member, or self-nomination. TeamMates is not just for “at-risk” youth. All youth can benefit from a mentoring relationship. Whether in a formal relationship such as TeamMates or an informal relationship such as a neighbor or relative, we believe everyone needs a positive role model to provide guidance and wisdom. The role of a mentor is not to be a tutor or a counselor, but to encourage and support the strengths and talents of their mentee.
For more information on the TeamMates program or how you can become a mentor, please contact Heather Barry at 308-432-0708.