For Immediate Release: Cheri Faunce, Interim Director
Jan. 10, 2012 785.368.6211, cfaunce@ksde.org
Governor signs proclamation declaring January as Kansas Mentoring Month
Kansans encouraged to make a difference by becoming a mentor
TOPEKA, KS – Governor Sam Brownback signed a proclamation today declaring January as Kansas Mentoring Month to recognize the importance of mentoring and to encourage more Kansans to serve as mentors in their communities.
Mentoring matches from YouthFriends Basehor Linwood were in attendance, along with Kansas Mentors Advisory Council members representing YouthFriends, Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy and Kansas Mentors, the state’s mentoring partnership.
“I encourage all Kansans to learn more about mentoring,” said Kansas State Head Football Coach Bill Snyder, co-chair of Kansas Mentors. “Whether it is an hour over your lunch or an evening once a week, serving as a caring role model to a young person will likely be one of the most rewarding and worthwhile investments you will make.”
Research shows that mentoring has long-term benefits for youth by increasing their chances of high school graduation and college attendance and decreasing the likelihood of substance abuse and other risky behaviors.
“In the fall of 2012, Kansas Mentors conducted a state-wide assessment and found that there are 20,000 youths on waiting lists needing a mentor,” said Cheri Faunce, interim director of Kansas Mentors. “We are thrilled that Governor Brownback has chosen to highlight mentoring and Kansas Mentoring Month in this proclamation, and hope that it brings awareness to the need that we have for mentors.”
Kansas Mentors is currently partnered with more than 175 mentoring programs across the state. The organization is committed to providing every young Kansas access to a caring and quality mentor through recruitment, awareness, and training efforts. To learn more about mentoring and ways to get involved, visit the Kansas Mentors website at www.KansasMentors.org.
Kansas’ celebration of National Mentoring Month is part of a national effort spearheaded by the Harvard School of Public Health, MENTOR and the Corporation for National and Community Service. To learn more visit: www.nationalmentoringmonth.org.
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