For Immediate Release: Youth Mentorship Service Project Launches

Local citizens have joined together to establish a youth mentorship program in Pike County, part of the “United We Serve” initiative that kicked off this week. The initiative is a national effort by President Obama to engage more Americans in serving their communities this summer, particularly focusing on four key areas: education, healthcare, energy and community renewal.

United We Serve officially launched on June 22 and will last 12 weeks until September 11, which will be marked by a national day of service and remembrance. “This summer, I’m calling on all of you to make volunteerism and community service part of your daily life and the life of this nation,” the President said in a video message on the initiative’s Web site, www.serve.gov.

On June 9, the Pike County Youth Coalition (PCYC) convened a preliminary meeting of over a dozen non-profit, civic and government leaders to discuss the initiative and decide what type of volunteer project was needed in the County. PCYC’s Executive Director, Nick Troiano, was invited to be part of a group of service organization leaders that were briefed on the initiative by First Lady Michelle Obama in late May, giving the group ample lead time in planning.

“When we began this process, we did not know what type of project we were going to undertake,” Troiano said. “But we did recognize that if we were to make a significant impact on any issue our community faces, it will take a group effort,” he said.

Using the recently completed Wayne/Pike Needs Assessment as a foundation, the group decided that a mentorship program that paired responsible citizens with at-risk youth is both needed and would greatly benefit the County. “Youth Support” was identified as one of the top five priorities in the assessment.

“This project will meet a real need in our County, and I applaud the group for its efforts,” said Harry Forbes, Pike County Commissioner and a member of the project’s steering committee.

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, young people who are mentored by a volunteer, even for just a few hours per week, will improve their performance in school, increase their self-confidence, and be less likely to consume drugs or alcohol.

"Anytime that we as citizens can keep our youth on the right track and involved in worthwhile activities, the less likely it is that they will take a wrong turn toward becoming unproductive citizens,” said State Representative John Siptroth, one of the project’s supporters. “I encourage community members to become involved,” he added.

The project’s steering committee is seeking ideas and input from the community, including those who want to help organize the program. They are encouraged to contact mentor@pikeyouth.org. More information, including a sign up form for young people looking for a mentor and volunteers who are interested in mentoring, is located at www.pikeyouth.org/mentor.