HELPING TOMORROW'S FUTURE TODAY
In December, Governor Snyder delivered a special talent message to the Michigan legislature. A key component of this message was mentoring and the valuable impact that the guidance of a caring adult can have. The Michigan Community Service Commission has long known that mentoring changes lives and has created several initiatives, including Mentor Michigan, to help advance the mentoring movement. Want to know how an hour a week can make the difference of lifetime? Read on in our inaugral edition of "Answering the Call to Serve." |
Governor Snyder Proclaims January Michigan Mentoring Month
Across the state, nearly 18,000 caring adultsprovide guidance and support as mentors to more than 23,000 young people in need. By offering a listening ear, a helping hand, and a friendship they can rely on, these mentors are changing lives an hour at time.
This important impact was recognized by Governor Rick Snyder when he proclaimed January to be Michigan Mentoring Month. The declaration made January a month of celebration for many mentoring organizations throughout Michigan, who use the event as a way to generate additional interest in and support for mentoring.
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MMCCC AmeriCorps Program Supports Thousands of Mentoring Matches
For the second year in a row, a unique Michigan's AmeriCorps program is helping mentoring organizations from throughout the state to increase their capacity and support mentor/mentee matches. The Mentor Michigan College Coaching Corps (MMCCC) has placed 45 AmeriCorps members statewide to help enhance youth mentoring programs by providing mentor recruitment, training, support and evaluation. By increasing each organizations capacity, each MMCCC member assists with more than 50 mentoring matches for a total impact of more than 2,000 young people matched with mentors.
Like many AmeriCorps members, MMCCC members serve full-time with an organization for an entire year. In return for their service, members receive a small living stipend and an educational award. However, for members like Alecia Rapp, the true reward is getting to impact lives every day.
"I decided that I would love the chance to mentor a young person and started the process. I was then offered the position as the AmeriCorps member and Mentor Coordinator instead," explained Alecia. "I could not pass up this opportunity! Instead of helping one youth I was given the opportunity to help so many more." Alecia has been serving with the HOPE Mentoring Program in Midland/Isabella County since September of 2011. Her program works with youth in foster care and Alecia has been touched by the courage of one young 13 year old in particular. "The young lady was new to our program and had not been in the foster care system very long. She was unsure if she wanted a mentor but ultimately decided she would."
Since beginning their mentoring relationship, the mentee has exhibited increased confidence and positive attitude. She is so happy now and her mentor feels the same way. The young lady recently told Alecia ""I believe that everyone should have a dream and should pursue it without letting their surroundings stop them. You cannot pick your parents but you CAN pick what you want your future to be."
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Mentoring Day at the Capitol Celebration
On Friday, January 20, 2012, mentoring programs from across Michigan came together for a special mentoring celebration hosted by Mentor Michigan at the state Capitol. Joining in the Mentoring Day at the Capitol celebration were special guests, Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley and his wife, Julie Calley, who expressed their sincere interest in and dedication to the Michigan mentoring movement.
"It's important to provide meaningful opportunities to build relationships and retain future generations," said Lieutenant Governor Calley. "Mentoring is one way to provide those relationships. Not only will you be helping another person to reach their goals and dreams, but you are helping build a stronger Michigan."
Also taking the stage with the Lieutenant Governor and his wife at the Mentoring Day at the Capitol event were two key leaders in the mentoring field: Tony Campbell, Co-Chair of the Mentor Michigan Leadership Council and Vice President for Community Investments at the Heart of West Michigan United Way; and Dara Munson, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit. In addition, attendees heard the many benefits of mentoring first-hand from two young mentees who shared their mentoring experience.
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