January marked the start of National Mentoring Month. Created in 2002 by the Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, National Mentoring Month focuses national attention on the need for mentors, as well as how each of us—individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities and nonprofits—can work together to increase the number of mentors to assure brighter futures for our young people.
On January 14, 2015, Governor Ricketts had a signing ceremony that proclaimed January as National Mentoring Month in the state of Nebraska. Midlands Mentoring Partnership’s Operations Coordinator, Carla Hagan, along with representatives from Girls Inc., Partnership 4 Kids, Kids Can Community Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands and TeamMates made a short day trip to Lincoln, Nebraska to meet with Governor Pete Ricketts and to watch as the proclamation was signed.
We know through research that stable, caring adults are a cornerstone of positive child and youth development. Through positive relationships with adults, children and youth experience a sense of physical and emotional security and learn that they are valued and accepted by others. Research shows that mentoring can lead to a decrease in risky behaviors, stronger communication skills, leadership experiences, an increase in connectedness to school, an improvement in competencies and self-esteem.
We want to thank you for following the Midlands Mentoring Partnership during National Mentoring Month. We appreciate your support in providing quality mentors to Omaha youth. If you or someone you know would like to take the next step and become a mentor, visit www.mentoromahanow.org to find the program that is right for you.
