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) is paired one-on-one with a child between the ages of 8-13. All the mentors and children, along with MaineStay staff, meet in a group setting at the Maine Township Town Hall on Mondays or Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30 PM twice each month. Each mentor interacts with his or her youth during group activities. The staff coordinators pre-plan general activities such as board games, team building activities, crafts, and time to share their stories. The curriculum also includes presentations and learning experiences on drug and gang prevention by the local police department. Occasional field trips are planned to such destinations as museums, theatrical productions, sporting events, concerts, or cultural activities. By participating in this program, 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 Oksana Bukaczyk at 847-297-2510 x271 or for further details.