One of the many things a child needs to develop into a responsible adulthood is a caring person who can see their potential. Studies consistently show that mentoring teens really works. The reported benefits of high quality, one-on-one mentoring are that youth:

• were less likely to initiate drug and alcohol use,
• were less likely to hit someone,
• skipped fewer days of school,
• felt more competent about their ability to do well in school,
• received slightly higher grades, and
• reported more positive relationships with friends and parents.

Our staff works hard to build a trusting relationship and act as informal mentors with the youth in all of our programs by offering respect, care and concern, honesty, and positive guidance.

For more intensive, formal mentoring services, we offer our school-based Mentor Program.

Mentoring Program

The Mentor Program serves 2nd-12th grade students in Bound Brook, Franklin, Manville, and Somerville that are experiencing emotional, behavioral and/or academic issues in school. Youth are referred to the program by guidance counselors and teachers.

Our staff provide one-on-one mentoring and small group activities with youth during their lunch or advisory periods, for three hours per week. They act as a positive role model to help youth to become more successful in school, build positive relationships, learn appropriate social skills, and improve their self-esteem. In addition, for those students considered in most need of additional help, our staff provides further community-based mentoring during the school year and a summer component.

Funding has been provided in part by the Somerset County Board of Commissioners and The Children’s Hope Initiative—Friends of Somerset County Youth.