Youth mentors are much appreciated
As a community, we should appreciate those businesses that not only serve us professionally, but go the "extra mile" to support those who live in the community in which they do business.
I have mentored young people in foster care for two years through ChildServ, a historic nonprofit that helps more than 2,800 children and families each year in Cook, DuPage, Kane and Lake counties build better lives. ChildServ has three group homes for youth in our western suburbs.
When my most recent mentee expressed an interest in veterinary medicine, and the veterinary assistant profession in particular, I reached out to local veterinarians and clinics to see if they would be open to giving him a firsthand look at what it is like to work in a veterinary hospital, while also giving him the chance to ask questions of those in the field.
Dr. Joe Cole, DVM at Wheaton Animal Hospital readily agreed to assist in providing the young man with a unique learning opportunity at an important time in his life. Dr. Cole and his staff were generous with their time, and my mentee learned a great deal.
I would like to thank Dr. Cole and his staff for giving the young man an experience that he will never forget and an opportunity for personal and professional growth and development.
It is my hope that area businesses follow the lead of Wheaton Animal Hospital and support youth mentoring, which helps deserving youth define their career aspirations and reach their potential.
To learn more about mentoring with ChildServ, visit www.childserv.org.
Tim Bateman
Glen Ellyn
ChildServ Volunteer Youth Mentor