Catholic Charities seeks youth mentors

Catholic Charities Lake County Youth Mentorship Program hosts an open house to recruit potential adult volunteers who are interested in making a difference in the life of a child between the ages of 9 and 12.

More than a dozen Lake County youth are awaiting mentors who can be a source of support and serve as a positive role model in their life.

Join Catholic Charities for an informal reception Thursday, June 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 671 S. Lewis Ave. in Waukegan for light refreshments and an opportunity to meet current adult volunteer mentors, mentees, and their parents who can share first-hand information about the power of mentoring. Participants are encouraged to register for this free event.

The program is recruiting mentors to work with youth who live in Waukegan or attend Waukegan Public School. Individuals who can serve as positive role models, encourage good decision-making and be a friend during times of need are urged to apply.

Program staff will help mentors learn how to plan low-cost activities such as, playing basketball, working on school projects, exploring a new restaurant in the area, grabbing an ice cream cone or taking advantage of free activities in the community that may interest a young person.

The Catholic Charities' Mentor Program coordinator is there every step of the way to offer guidance and training, suggest age-appropriate activities and help mentors develop a strong relationship with their mentee.

Participants also have the opportunity to attend quarterly special events that bring all mentors and mentees together to engage in fun activities, share ideas and build supportive relationships.

"We know that mentoring works. Kids who have a mentor are more likely to do well in school, avoid harmful behaviors and have positive attitudes toward their peers and their parents," said Beth Sheehan-Lucas of Catholic Charities.

"It's also a powerful experience for our adult volunteers, who consistently report that they get just as much out of the program as the mentee. We are so thankful to the dozens of volunteers who have already stepped up and made a difference in the life of a Waukegan child."

To become a mentor, the following qualifications must be met:

• Be at least 21 years old;

• Commit to a minimum of a one-year relationship, meeting two hours per week;

• Complete a volunteer application, orientation process and mentor trainings;

• Own a car and have a valid Illinois driver's license and proof of insurance (no car sharing programs allowed);

• Must have 3 years of experience driving with a valid driver's license;

• Be willing to drive up to 30 minutes to pick up your mentee and drive mentee to and from all outings;

• Allow the agency to conduct a thorough criminal background and driving motor vehicle check;

• Be able to participate in regular meetings/phone contacts with a Catholic Charities staff person;

• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

To become a mentor, contact Sheehan-Lucas at (847) 782-4224 or blucas@catholiccharities.net

For information about Catholic Charities Mentor Program and other Catholic Charities programs, visit www.catholiccharities.net/youthmentoring.