Local Mentoring Program Celebrates 3 Year Anniversary

Roots and Horizons, a local mentoring program for children who have an incarcerated parent, celebrates its three-year anniversary on Saturday, November 22. Since its inception in 2005, Rancho Cordova and Folsom children of incarcerated parents have benefited from being matched with positive, adult role models. “I like my mentor because he’s there for me,” a youth in the program said. “I’m glad to have him as a friend.” 

Over 2000 hours have been contributed to the program by volunteer mentors. Roots and Horizons mentors participate in a range of fun activities with their youth mentees such as going to the movies and shooting hoops.  National studies show effective mentoring is a leading solution to address the challenges youth face. Mentoring works because it is a proactive approach that reinforces the emotional, social and physical well-being of a young person.  

“I’ve seen many positive changes in my daughter since she’s been involved in the program,” said Peggi, a parent in the program. Her daughter’s mentor, Nancy, “has been there for my child and I’m grateful. She has even helped my relationship with my daughter get much closer,” Peggi continued. 

Mentoring pairs meet for one hour a week for a year and mentors provide encouragement and friendship based on trust, respect and responsibility.  

“This experience has been extremely rewarding for me personally, mentor Nancy said. “You can make such a difference in a child’s life. The need for adult guidance for our future generations is overwhelming, and with a little bit of a mentor’s time and their experience, wisdom and guidance, I believe a difference can be made.” 
 

For more information about Roots and Horizons, click here.

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Posted by Michelle Ventress on Nov 18 2008. Filed under Lifestyle. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.