Stock market got you down? Mentoring provides guaranteed returns

The advent of a new year is a traditional time to take stock of one’s life, and plan for the future.
Returns on financial investments have been disappointing for many, who may want to diversify into more rewarding activities. Perhaps it is appropriate to consider an investment whose returns have been favorable over its 13-year history – a gift of your time dedicated to mentoring a child through the Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance.
The Alliance’s “Stand by Me” program has been investing in the future of our community by creating and supervising long term one-on-one relationships between caring adults and at-risk school children in need of social and academic support. Stand by Me, which has been at the forefront of similar programs across the country, now serves more than 400 at-risk kids K-12 in what Executive Director Kathy Witkowicki characterizes as, “A beautiful example of a community coming together to raise its children.”
Witkowicki is grateful for community participation, but wants to “beef up” the program to meet the needs of the 140 children on the program’s waiting list. January is National Mentoring Month across the US, and Witkowicki’s goal is to recruit 30 new mentors during this month
To that end, Stand by Me is hosting an event on the evening of Thursday, January 22, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, at Saddles Restaurant. Program management, mentors, and mentees will be available to provide information and answer questions about how a small contribution of your time can make a huge difference in a child’s life.
Mentors need to commit only one hour per week, meeting one-on-one with mentees at one of eight centers set up in local schools. Children are matched with mentors based on academic and social needs, as well as mutual interests. Mentor center professionals oversee the relationships.
Mentors need no special qualifications – just the desire to join forces with parents to do what it takes to help mentees “be successful and make the right choices in life.” Mentors provide guidance and support for mentees. In turn, the program provides multiple resources for mentors – continuing education and opportunities to share activities ranging from field trips, to community center events, to cooking classes sponsored by local chefs.
For more information contact: Kathy Witkowicki, 938.1990, e-mail: admin@sonomamentoring.org
Saddles Restaurant, MacArthur Place, 29 East MacArthur Street, Sonoma.