Youth-Mentoring Program Looking for Feedback

Youth Mentoring informational meeting. (Click for larger image)

Oskaloosa, Iowa – What would a youth-mentoring program look like in Mahaska County? That question and more, such as funding and volunteers are part of the big picture being explored by a group in order to determine if such a program would be sustainable.

Steve Burnett, who sits on the Oskaloosa City Council and Amy Meyer, Executive Director at Mahaska County United Way are working to facilitate that question and answer session that will take place on Thursday, February 2nd at 6pm inside George Daily Auditorium.

Burnett said that they are looking for information from those genuinely interested providing feedback, and to help answer the question as to why other area mentoring programs have fallen by the wayside.

“I want to know why stuff doesn’t work, because you can learn from that too,” said Burnett.

Meyer said that helping to create buy-in from those interested may prove to help create a long-lasting program.

The hope is to create a 5-year sustainability plan for the program. Those parts would be financial, as well as commitment from volunteers.

Mentoring a child may seem difficult, especially carving out additional time from already busy schedules.

Volunteering time to a mentor program wouldn’t necessarily mean creating extra time, but instead including the child in your everyday life. Things like raking leaves, or shopping are examples of everyday life you can share. “They hang out with you, they talk with you and they see what’s going on,” says Burnett of the personal relationship building.

Burnett said that from those he’s spoken with about mentoring, “I think you find you make a difference, one kid at a time.

“We’ve got kids that can use some help. Lets help,” says Burnett.