Connections Mentoring program needs volunteers
Connections Mentoring program has a need for volunteers. Facilitated through the Holmes County Juvenile Court System, it matches at-risk kids age 6-18 with adults who will in turn offer their support and time.
Mentors must be 21 and older to apply, go through a six-hour training program, and submit to a background check. Upon approval, the mentor must commit to spending four to eight hours per month before being matched with a child. Any match that occurs must be approved by the parent or guardian.
“We have a list of kids waiting to be matched,” said Miranda McCullough, a licensed social worker, mom of three and substitute teacher who heads Connections. “We’re desperately seeking volunteers.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has kept the volunteer numbers hovering at a lower level than needed. “COVID-19 really hit our numbers hard,” McCullogh said. “We are seeing a need even more so now because of COVID. We need more volunteers.”
Connections Mentoring is about relationships and support. Kids who need mentoring often lack someone to see the good in them, that little something extra to help them understand their world and an ear that’s listening.
“We receive calls from schools that give us names of kids who might be attention-seeking and need help,” McCullough said. “They go on our list that’s been growing steadily longer.”
While the program is facilitated through the Holmes County Juvenile Court System, not every child has a behavioral problem. Often there are things happening at home or school that are beyond their control. As the Connections brochure states, “With the escalation of community and school violence and the emergence of nontraditional families and transient communities, children face an array of complex issues, pressures and challenges that they must address in order to thrive and succeed.”
For volunteers it is a sober decision to commit to, but the benefits outweigh any hesitation. And as Holmes County Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Thomas Lee said, “They’re just kids, and like any other kids, they need a caring, committed adult to help them navigate life.”
A main question that is asked is “What do I do with my child once matched?” The possibilities are endless: take a walk, get takeout, go to a sports event or simply sit on a park bench and listen to them right where they are. The ultimate goal is to let them know they are supported and listened to.
“We’re looking for a good variety of folks to step in and volunteer,” McCullough said. “Right now our roster has 16-20 volunteers, some who’ve just started.”
She said those numbers are low, and the program needs more people to step up and apply to be a mentor with Connections.
Time, honesty, trust, optimism and fortitude all things needed to be a mentor. It can be a life-changing commitment, not just for the kids who need a steady presence in their lives, but also for the people who decide to raise their hand and step forward. Building a better community starts at home.
To apply to be a mentor with Connections, call McCullough at 330-674-4074 and leave a message. She also can be emailed at mmccullough@co.holmes.oh.us.