Norwalk Mentor Program

NORWALK MENTOR PROGRAM(NMP)

In partnership with the Norwalk Public Schools

One hour a week can change lives forever...Yours and Theirs.

" "Mentoring is a sound investment in our future". -Dr. Susan Weinberger, founder of the Norwalk Mentor Program and a Consultant for Mentoring Programs throughout the country.

MISSION

The mission of the Norwalk Mentor Program is to encourage the social, academic and mental growth of Norwalk's youth through a one-on-one mentoring relationship; where a caring adult serves as a role model to a student as he or she goes through a difficult period or faces new challenges.

Established in 1986, the Norwalk Mentor Program was one of the first school based mentoring program in the country. The Program's original premise remains constant today - matching deserving students with positive adult role models can make a significant difference in the lives of those students served. The Norwalk Mentor Program coordinates a structured one on one relationship between a student and adult volunteer; it is entirely school-based. This unique approach provides participants grades K-12 with an adult who can meet them for approximately one hour per week during the school year and engage in academic and/or social activities conducive to the school setting. By sharing fun activities and exposing youth to new experiences, a mentor encourages positive chioces, promotes high self-esteem, supports academic achievement and introduces the mentee to new ideas. Mentors act as friends and role models and spend the each week having fun with their mentees--play catch, read a book, shoot some hoops, create an arts and crafts project, or just talk!

WHO'S A MENTOR?

	A volunteer who lives or works in the greater Norwalk area
	Age 18 and over
	Must be open-minded, good listeners

WHAT IS A MENTOR COMMITMENT?

	1 hour per week at school during the school day
	At least one school year

MENTORING BENEFITS MENTORS:

	Increase personal satisfaction
	Experience greater self worth
	Exposure to cultural diversity
	Improve image of the employer in the community

MENTORING BENEFITS YOUTH:

	Improve student's self-esteem, self-confidence, communication skills and motivation
	Improve attitudes towards their parents, peers and teachers
	Improve student's academic performance and attendance
	Improve students perception of one's own abilities

One hour a week can change lives forever...Yours and Theirs.

MISSION

The mission of the Norwalk Mentor Program is to encourage the social, academic and mental growth of Norwalk's youth through a one-on-one mentoring relationship; where a caring adult serves as a role model to a student as he or she goes through a difficult period or faces new challenges.

A volunteer who lives or works in the greater Norwalk area

Age 18 and over

Must be open-minded, good listeners

Increase personal satisfaction

Experience greater self worth

Exposure to cultural diversity

Improve image of the employer in the community

Improve student's self-esteem, self-confidence, communication skills and motivation

Improve attitudes towards their parents, peers and teachers

Improve student's academic performance and attendance

Improve students perception of one's own abilities

In 2011, the NMP celebrates 25 years of chaging lives

For more information about the NMP, or to become a mentor, please contact: Jackie Effren at: Jeffren@hscct.org