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Our Programs
Community-Based Program
An adult volunteer from the community is matched with a child who, due to family or environmental factors, could greatly benefit from the additional support and guidance a mentor provides. By spending consistent time together, a meaningful friendship blossoms promoting positive growth and development for the child.
Study results showed that a Big Brother or Big Sister made a real difference. Children who met regularly with their “Bigs” are:
46% less likely to start using illegal drugs
27% less likely to start drinking
52% less likely to skip school
More confident about school work
Have better relationships with their parents and peers
Within the Community-Based Program there are various programs which focus on children who have more specific needs:
* Sibling Support Program
* Well Red Kids
* Holiday for Kids Sake
The Sibling Support Program
This mentoring program specializes in working with children who have a brother or sister with special needs. The program is funded by the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Parents in these situations must spend a great deal of time caring for their special needs child. Volunteer mentors are utilized to give the other children in the family the special one-to-one attention that they need. We also match the special needs children with volunteers on a one-to-one basis whenever appropriate.
Well Red Kids
"Well Red Kids" is a program designed to inspire a love of reading among the Little Brothers and Little Sisters. Well Red Kids provides matches with free books several times a year and encourages the pairs to read and learn together. Reading provides kids with new ways of looking at the world and motivates them to seek out new experiences, which is an integral part of their growth and development. This program was founded by Redpoint Marketing PR, Inc. (hence, the word "red" in the name), a long-time supporter of our agency's mission.
Holiday for Kids Sake
This program is a special outreach to financially challenged families during the holiday season. The goal is to alleviate the added burden that this season can put on a family that is already struggling. Through this program, each family receives gifts for each child, plus food for a special dinner and other essential items.
School-Based Program
High School and College Students mentor younger students through School-Based Programs. These programs seek to build self-confidence, improve peer interactions and promote educational enrichment. These programs target youth that school administrators and teachers evaluate as being in need of extra help. Those who are doing poorly in school, have poor attendance, behavioral and academic records, and who have a history of anti-social behavior. The goals of the School-Based Mentoring Program are to improve school attendance and performance, improve attitudes toward school, and decrease anti-social behaviors including substance abuse, irresponsible sexual activity, disrespectful and aggressive behavior.
Teachers, parents, and volunteer mentors observed the following for the students in the program:
64% developed more positive attitudes toward school
58% achieved higher grades in social studies, languages, and math
60% improved relationships with adults
56% improved relationship with peers
55% were better able to express their feelings
64% developed higher levels of self-confidence
62% were more likely to trust their teachers
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