Children need guidance and encouragement as they grow into adults.  Youth Development is key to becoming a successful adult and mentoring is a surefire way to help youth and teens fully develop.  See how mentoring has been proven to help children grow by providing new experiences and growth opportunities.

Did you know?

In a comparative study of 10- to 16-year olds, those in a mentoring program were 46% less likely to start using drugs and alcohol and 33% less likely to fight with other students¹.

One-on-one mentoring inspires children to succeed in school and their personal lives by providing a positive adult mentor. Negative areas of behavior decrease and positive relationships with family members and other students increase when children have the attention and inspiration they need in their daily lives.

So why do youth need mentors?

According to the US Department of Education, there are five key qualities in youth development²:

1. Competence: Positive view of one's skills and abilities
2. Confidence: The internal sense of overall positive self-worth, identity, and belief in the future
3. Connection:  Positive bonds with people and institutions
4. Character:  Recognition of societal and cultural rules
5. Compassion:  A sense of sympathy and empathy for others, leading to a desire to contribute

To develop these qualities, youth need guidance during their developmental years.  By building upon the youth’s strenghts with positive encouragement and new experiences, adult mentors are able to aid in these important developmental stages.  Helping youth grow into successful adults: that's the power of mentoring.

How do adult mentors benefit from mentoring? 

By sharing their time and experiences, adult mentors are able to greatly impact the life of a child. 

In addition to having fun, mentoring can help adults achieve new levels of personal growth and improve self esteem.  Making a difference in a child’s life can help a mentor gain new perspectives on their surroundings and can even help strengthen their relationships with their own families³.

Did you know? 

Last year, United Way earmarked over $600,000 for mentoring programs in the Omaha-Council Bluffs-Bellevue community. 

Through important programs facilitated by Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Ollie Webb Center, Child Saving Institute, and YMCA of Greater Omaha, hundreds of children are able to experience the benefits of having an adult mentor. 

The most important part of mentoring are the volunteers who give their time to guide these children towards successful futures.  We’ll be featuring a United Way funded mentoring program each week during National Mentor Month to show you the many volunteer options available in our community.  Consider becoming a mentor this month and give a child the role model they need to develop into successful adults.

¹Tierney, Joseph P., Jean Baldwin Grossman, and Nancy L. Resch. Making A Difference: An Impact Study of Big Brothers Big Sisteres. Public/Private Ventures, 01 Sept. 2000. Web. 02 Jan. 2012. <http://www.ppv.org/ppv/publications/assets/111_publication.pdf>.

² United States Department of Education. A Mentor's Guide to Youth Development. 01 Apr 2007. Web. 03 Jan 2012. <http://educationnorthwest.org/webfm_send/286>.

3 "Benefits of Becoming a Mentor." Childrens Services Council - Mentors. Web. 05 Jan. 2012. <http://mentors.cscpbc.org/benefits-becoming-mentor>.