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22 A TIME FOR GIVING

The philosophy is that we

are all social beings, and

we need each other.

Every child, every human being, pair students with dependable adult
deserves a mentor, says Donna mentors. Children often join the
Shines, and the hope at the program at their own request or are
Mentoring Network is that that recommended to participate in the
relationship lasts a lifetime. The program by a teacher who believes
philosophy is that we are all social “they can benefit from some
beings, and we need each other. additional one-to-one attention.”
For Shines, executive director of These mentors meet one-on-
the Mentoring Network, studies one with an elementary or middle
time and again have underscored school student at school for an hour Shines trusts that anyone can be about engaging successfully,
the importance of children having a week. Once entering high school, a mentor, whether that’s leading meaningfully, with their mentee
positive role models in their lives: high school students can choose to with a warm smile and caring “How not to worry. Counselor and
they get better grades in school, continue meeting with their mentor. are you” to a more involved role mentor tools are available online,
avoid risky behaviors, and ultimately “We give the parameters of safe, in academics or social programs. and the Mentoring Network will
have greater success in life. school mentoring,” Shines said. “For Shines asks you to consider your offer ongoing support.
“Our feeling is that schools some, school is their safe place.” strengths and if you want to share Activities range from having
can’t do it alone,” Shines said. “We The program is now at 55 them, especially if you love kids and lunch together to doing
can never have enough quality volunteer mentors, who all pass love helping kids. homework together, from playing
mentorship programs because background checks and are often “I don’t want to limit what’s a game to just sitting and talking.
every human being deserves a recommended to Shines by possible,” Shines said. “We believe And, the mentor and mentee
mentor, and many of us should be acquaintances. Of course, those so much is possible when we look will figure out together how
mentoring.” interested in volunteering as a up, at the greater good. We have so best to spend their time; every
For 21 years the Mentoring mentor are welcome to apply. much more together than we’ll ever partnership is unique. Children
Network has partnered with “I need great people coming have alone.” often open up about their fears
local school districts in Caldwell, from great people,” Shines said. “It’s Mentors at the Mentoring and anxieties, or their excitements.
Homedale, Nampa and Parma to important when working with kids.” Network do receive training, but “They love that it’s someone
Shines assures anyone nervous who listens, shows up and cares,”

Your Donations Bring Color into the Lives
of Children Who Need Someone to Trust

One hour a week transforms lives.

TO DONATE GO TO:
mentoringnetworkid.org/donate