Did you know that the National Mentoring Partnership indicates that 1 in 3 young people cannot identify an adult role model in their lives?!  In Virginia, this equates to 622,000 young people who lack this critical guidance and support.  Young people who have mentors are less likely to drop out of school or engage in drug or alcohol use and are more likely to go and stay in college.  They also have a more positive outlook on their futures and stronger relationships with peers and parents. I support youth mentoring because I believe it is a part of my responsibility as an adult to coach and develop the next generation and I want to play a role in developing the next group of leaders in the Richmond community!

For those of you who don’t know, I have been actively involved with Richmond area youth for the last 15 years through the 30+ athletic teams that I coached at Richmond Strikers, Glen Allen Basketball, Rockville Baseball, and at the YMCA.   There are so many commonalities between coaching and mentoring:  establishing a connection, having a positive attitude, customizing the mode and conducting effective communication, constant feedback, and continuous learning!  The goals are both are the same as well:  unlock the potential in each kid!

Given that my time coaching my children and other area youth has passed, I am now actively involved in mentoring.  I do this in two ways:  I am now on the board of the Virginia Mentoring Partnership, working with other area leaders who are passionate about mentoring and the impact it can have on others.  I am also actively mentoring a Richmond youth who is a student at Virginia Tech, and also mentoring early career associates at my place of employment. 

Mentoring works!  Will you help with a small donation so that the more than 1800 children who are on waiting lists for mentors will be able to get inspired area volunteers like me to help them succeed in school, meet their goals, and prepare for entering college and the workforce will able to be supported?   Please consider making your year-end, tax-deductible contribution as part of our “Moving Mentoring Forward” campaign.  As you may know, the Virginia Mentoring Partnership is a small nonprofit with a large reach, and we rely on grants from corporations and foundations, and gifts from donors and supporters to provide our services. I am giving $250 towards this campaign, and if able to raise $2000 more, will add another $250.  Will you please help with $10, $20, or $50 to achieve these goals? 

Thank you in advance for your generosity!  Every dollar will help move youth mentoring forward!