In today's world of single parenting and dual income to support a family, kids often feel left out. Many of them spend too few hours with the positive role models in their lives. Our mentoring program provides positive influences in the lives of these children.

Each volunteer mentor (age 18 or older) will be paired one-on-one with a child between the ages of 8-13 for a sixteen-week session. All the mentors and children, along with MaineStay staff, will meet in a group setting at the Maine Township Town Hall on Mondays from 6:00-7:30 PM twice each month. Each mentor will interact with his or her youth during group activities. The staff coordinators will pre-plan general activities such as board games, team building activities, crafts, and time to share their stories. The curriculum will also include presentations and learning experiences on drug and gang prevention by the local police department. At least one field trip will be planned per session to such destinations as a museum, theatrical production, sporting event, concert, cultural activity, etc. Children will be able to spend one-on-one time with a positive adult mentor and receive the personal attention they deserve but might not otherwise receive.

A mentor is someone who is genuinely happy to see that child whenever they meet, someone who is refreshing and upbeat, someone who can be a good listener and an encourager, and someone who is an interesting and fun-loving companion. A mentor shows a youngster the ropes, helps an adolescent see that the "glass is half full" and, through devoting a few hours, sends a child the message that he or she is important in this world. If helping to mentor a child is something you might like to try, please contact Michelle Biondo at 847-297-2510 x271 or for further details.

May 12 and 19
June 9 and 23
July 14 and 28
August 11 and 25

Time: 6:00-7:30 PM