“Because all kids matter”: Local youth mentoring program plans events, looking for volunteers
Imagine a society where every kid has a chance to develop to their full potential, experience a one-on-one relationship with a caring adult and be a part of a caring, supportive community.
That's the mission of Mentors 4 Kids, an organization operating in Jefferson, Franklin, Williamson, Saline, Gallatin and White counties that matches Mentors 4 Kids matches children in need with volunteer adult mentors.
The goal is for the mentor to befriend the child, or mentee, and spend quality time with him or her.
"It's all about the relationship," said Mentors 4 Kids Executive Director Vickey Taake. "A little bit of just 'me time' for a child, that's the key to what we do."
Mentors might take their mentees to a ball game, concert, or community event, or they might take them on simple errands like going to the grocery store or to the veterinarian. It's the simple things that often make the biggest difference, the program's executive director said.
"It's not about the money," Taake said. "We try to build a friendship that shows kids that there are other paths out there, and that there are people who can help you follow those paths."
To make sure mentors and mentees are getting along well and meeting all of the organization's requirements, a case manager, Maggie Gonzalez, calls mentors and mentees on a monthly basis to check up on things. Gonzalez has a bachelor's degree in social work from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Mentors also submit a monthly log of activities and communications with their mentee. Communication can be a text message, email, a card, phone call or any type of contact. They are asked to reach out to their mentee on a weekly basis, and to spend six hours per month with their mentee. Mentors and mentees are matches based on interests, gifts and strengths.
The executive director said mentors are just as varied and unique as the mentees.
"Our mentors all have a very special heart, but they come in all shapes and sizes. We've had 18-year-old mentors and 90-year-old mentors, college-age kids, single parents, and retirees," Taake said. "It's just about bringing kids into your life."
Mentors receive training that prepares them for working with mentees on a one-on-one basis. Mentors also learn to look for red flags that might signal something's wrong in their mentee's life. Luckily, said Taake, the organization has not yet encountered a situation where a child was in trouble.
"This is all volunteer. Everyone is involved. The kids have to be involved, and the parents have to be supportive," Taake said.
As an entirely local organization, Mentors 4 Kids receives no state or federal funding, and is financially supported entirely by foundation grants, local businesses, community members and fundraisers. A governing board of directors and two staff members run the organization, which has 31 mentors.
"I think that sets us apart," the executive director said. "We're truly local."
Staffing, training, insurance and travel costs, and screening and background check fees add up quickly to the organization's $90,000 annual budget. With such a price tag, the organization is constantly looking for volunteers and donations.
Those interested in volunteering can help with fundraisers, host a match activity, serve on an advisory board, serve on the governing board or be a mentor.
Twice a year, the organization hosts smoked pork butt sales with the help of Randy Nyberg, a Harrisburg man who, with the help of his crew, smokes pork butts for organization fundraisers like Mentors 4 Kids hosts.
The most recent pork butt sale happened in May, but locals can look forward to several fundraising events this summer hosted by Mentors 4 Kids.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 20 the organization will host a craft fair at the Bonan Business Center, 540 N. Commercial St. in Harrisburg. With 32 vendors from all over southern Illinois already signed up, the event is free to attend, and all proceeds will benefit Mentors 4 Kids. On the list of events for the craft fair are craft activities, food, activities, a silent auction and a tattoo contest, judged by a Never Tap-Tattoo team.
The sixth annual "Tees 4 Kids" golf scramble will take place on Friday, July 17, with registration and lunch at 11:30 a.m. and tee off at 1 p.m. There are different levels of sponsorship. For more information, contact Vickey Taake at (618) 252-1012 or at vickey@mentors4kids.com.
At 7 p.m. on August 1, country music singer and songwriter Earl Thomas Conley will play at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center as a benefit for Mentors 4 Kids. For tickets, call (618) 997-4030 or visit www.marionccc.com.
Mentors 4 Kids can be reached by phone at (618) 252-1012 or by email at mentors4kids@gmail.com. They can be found online at www.mentors4kids.org or at www.facebook.com/mentors4kids.