Those who organize a mentoring program at Plainwell Middle School are hoping to find new mentors in the community.
The school, in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, has a site-based mentoring program that matches an adult with a student for one hour per week.
Joanne Coy, a student support specialist at Plainwell Middle School, said the impact of this program, now in its 18th year, is far- reaching.
“As many of our mentors have stated, ‘I don’t know who gets more out of it, me or my mentee!’” she said.
The program, recently honored as the top school-based mentoring program in the region, offers students an opportunity to spend some time with a positive adult role model each week.
Coy said, “‘What do I have to offer?’ you wonder. How about your time, attention, caring, wisdom—just for starters.
“Often we see the results in the form of improvement in self-esteem and confidence. This then blossoms into an improvement in achievement and further development of good character traits, which is a great way to improve the community.
“Our program, district-wide, has many wonderful adults and teens matched with great kids from kindergarten through high school, but we’re always looking for more mentors.”
To sign up or for more information, call (269) 685-5813.
Coy said, “After the application is returned, we’ll schedule an interview, and in no time at all you will be able to change the future—two lives at a time, yours and your mentee’s!”
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