January is National Mentoring Month, and Sierra Vista Child & Family Services joins cities and states across the country in a call for caring adults to become mentors and make a difference in a young person's life.
During January's National Mentoring Month, the Community Moms Guild, a program of Sierra Vista Child & Family Services that encourages mentoring to foster youth, is recruiting volunteers to step up and become catalysts for creating a community of support for foster youth in our community. Sierra Vista will be holding an orientation and sign-up for those who are interested in being mentors on January 17th at 5:00 p.m. at 101 Park Avenue, Modesto CA.
Nationwide, more than 463,000 children live in foster care. In California, which has the largest foster care population than any other state. The number of foster youth has tripled in the last 20 years. Youth living in foster care are among our nation's most vulnerable young people. many have been abused or neglected, resulting in a multitude of emotional and developmental needs. Because the lives of these children in care are often wrought with instability and frequent moves, they can benefit tremendously from the consistent attention of a mature caring adult.
"Mentors serve as vital role models to our foster youth," said Mary Jo Mastin, Director of Foster Care services. "Every child in our care deserves a mentor, someone who is in his or her corner who can be a friend, and advisor, a shoulder to lean on, an open ear, and an inspiration. Our community can make a difference for these children by positively impacting the direction of their lives." Becoming a mentor is one of the best investments you can make for the future.
Each year since its launch, National Mentoring Month has enjoyed the strong support of the U.S. President and members of Congress. Additional prominent individuals who have participated in the campaign include: Maya Angelou, former President Bill Clinton, Clint Eastwood, Senator John McCain, Quincy Jones, General Colin L. Powell, Cal Ripkin Jr., and Bill Russell.
To Learn more about mentoring a child in foster care or attending the orientation on January 17th, please call (209)523-4573 for more information.
