Mentors Provide a Lifeline for Young People Served by 'The Bridge'

Studies show one in three young people feel isolated from meaningful connections with adults outside of their homes. Add in turmoil within the immediate family, and children can also feel disconnected from their own parents. This is why mentors play such an important role in the lives of our troubled youth.

January is National Mentoring Month, and Palatine-based The Bridge Youth and Family Services is highlighting 30 successful years of matching up mentors to children ages 7 to 15 who need positive role models. An information session is coming up on January 25 to let area residents learn more about the mentoring program and how to get involved.

Below is information provided by Liz Dobrzynski, supervisor of prevention and volunteer services at The Bridge, about one of the many successful mentor/mentee matches made through the nonprofit's program (names are changed to protect the identity of those who receive services):

Thirteen-year-old Nathan and his mother became homeless for an entire year. The two bounced from shelter to motel to friends' couches, and had to leave Palatine often to find shelter. They were forced to split up on several occasions so that each of them would have a place to sleep at night. At times, Nathan had long commutes to and from school which left him too tired to focus on his school work. He rarely knew where he would be going once the school day ended, which led to feelings of insecurity, anger and fear. He also developed a resentment toward his mother for the constant upheaval in his life.

Through it all, Nathan had a lifeline - his mentor, John. Despite the difficulties of keeping up with the family on the move, John maintained a consistent presence in Nathan's life. They met weekly for a few hours no matter where Nathan was staying, which allowed Nathan to get a break from his chaotic life. John became concerned when Nathan didn't open up about his feelings during this difficult time, but Nathan explained that his time with John was special. "It was an opportunity for him to forget about his problems for a little while," John said.

During that time, John helped Nathan improve his football skills, encouraged him to focus on academic success, and coached him to develop healthy coping skills. Above all, he was a consistent, supportive, positive presence in Nathan's life at a time when nothing was consistent, or normal.

Nathan and his family now have a place to call home. John is still a big part of Nathan's life, and continues to mentor him with a goal to help him stay on the right path to success.

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Mentors are their mentee's hero, friend, teacher, caring listener, and coach. They help children learn, problem-solve, communicate and get along better with others - and teach big and small life lessons that aren't learned in a classroom. Research shows that mentoring improves school attendance and performance, reduces violent behavior, decreases the likelihood of drug use and improves relationships with friends and family members. Mentoring also benefits the mentors by building relationships that are as meaningful for the mentor as they are for the young person.

The Bridge's mentoring program matches adults ages 21 and over who are asked to spend two hours per week with a child over the course of one year. Mentors and their matches are also encouraged to attend monthly group activities, many of which are service projects geared toward teaching youth about giving back to their community. Children participating in these projects learn new skills, develop a sense of empathy for others, and increase their own confidence when they realize they can make a difference in someone's life. Studies show that young adults who had mentors as children are paying it forward, and are 78-percent more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities.

Additionally, youth who have mentors report higher educational aspirations and are 55-percent are more likely to enroll in college.

Mentoring relationships are basic human connections that let a young person know that they matter. Those interested in learning more about making a significant difference in a child's life are invited to attend an information session at The Bridge Youth and Family Services on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 starting at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Liz Dobrzynski at 847-485-3061 or by email at Ldobrzynski@bridgeyouth.org.

ABOUT THE BRIDGE YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES

'The Bridge' provides child and family counseling, crisis intervention, prevention and volunteer services and fees are based on family income and financial situation. No family is turned away due to the inability to pay. The 50-year nonprofit serves residents of Cook County living in Barrington, Hanover, Elk Grove, Maine, Schaumburg and Palatine Townships. For more information about The Bridge, please visit www.BridgeYouth.org.