Do you remember a teacher who encouraged you and worked with you on a goal? A scout leader who you could talk to about your problems? Your aunt who was always available to you and shared special events and adventures?

We all had someone in our lives who encouraged and cheered us on, exposed us to new experiences and proficiencies. They might have mentored us at a very critical time of our lives, or just in the everyday occurrences of maturation.

Have you ever thought of mentoring a young person? The Community Action Partnership (CAP) Mentoring Program has been in operation since 2003 in Madison County. There are currently 20 to 30 children on waiting lists who would benefit greatly from a mentoring relationship.

Some quotes from recent matches made in our Volunteer Mentoring Program include:

“You are the best friend I’ve ever had,” from a quiet 10-year-old who had been bullied at school that year. Another young man said: “I have met new people, gone places I probably never would have.”

A mentor in the CAP mentoring program said, “I have done activities with my mentee that I haven’t done in years like bowling, hiking, picking strawberries and much more. We are both in the CAP book club together. It’s really fun.”

It’s a win-win situation with the mentors and mentees both deriving their own fulfillment and satisfaction.  Just two hours a month would allow you to share your interests, abilities, talents and gifts with a young person (aged 8 to 16) who could greatly benefit from the interaction.

Every effort is made to match youth and their mentors in a similar geographical part of the county. Activities can range from baking, homework assistance, outdoor experiences, visiting libraries, games and field trips with the group (as planned by CAP’s professional staff monthly).

To find out more about CAP’s Mentoring Program, call 315-697-3588 ext. 44 (Cory) to schedule a meeting. You may be signing up for the experience you have been waiting for. Who mentored you?