Pictured are Susan Loper, mentor and Johnny, mentee; in the Oneida Public Library.
(Madison County, NY – Jan. 2015) January is National Mentoring Month and Community Action Partnership has been supporting mentoring since 2003 in Madison County to reinforce positive youth development. CAP works with the community to organize mentoring and is supported by Madison County Youth Bureau, Madison County Department of Social Services, United Way of Greater Oneida, Canastota Community Chest and OPWDD to match community members with youth in need of a positive relationship with an adult role model.
The Mentoring Program combines three individual programs to best meet the needs of youth ages 8 to 15 in Madison County. Each of these programs provide weekly 1:1 mentoring, monthly group activities and opportunities to become more connected to their local community. In 2014, CAP had 65 successful mentoring matches.
One of those programs is the new Exceptional Mentoring Program that serves local youth with developmental disabilities. This program is supported by the state Office of People with Developmental Disabilities. The Exceptional Mentoring Program launched in 2014 and so far has served 10 youth in our county. It aims to provide a mentoring relationship for youth who may not have had this opportunity in the past.
To highlight the Exceptional Mentoring Program, CAP introduces Susan and Johnny. Susan has been a mentor with the program for more than two years. She and Johnny have been matched since March 2014. Some of their favorite activities involve hiking, swimming, as well as attending concerts in the park.
Last week, Susan and Johnny had a visit that took them to the Oneida Public Library. Together, they worked on homework, art work and computer activities. They enjoy joking with each other and they have developed a strong bond. Johnny thoroughly enjoys his time with Susan, and Susan says this is a “wonderful enjoyable experience” for her also.
We currently have a long waiting list of youth in the community who would benefit from having a mentor. One hour a week can change a child’s life.
If you have any interest in becoming a mentor or have questions, please call Dennis Hoover (697-3588 ext. 24) or Jessica Ginney (697-3588 ext. 42).