Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Volunteer Mentors Inspire by Example

Training sessions planned during National Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month, highlighted by National Volunteer Week, April 10 to 16.   During the entire month, the Volunteer Center of Bergen County celebrates the efforts of people who help make their communities better places to live and work.

Being a mentor is a great way to make a difference in the community and in peoples’ lives.   Men and women are needed to participate in two mentoring programs sponsored by the Volunteer Center.

Through the Mentoring Youth program, caring men and women provide guidance, friendship and support to youth who are experiencing social, emotional and behavioral problems.  Mentoring Moms are women who provide guidance to isolated or overwhelmed mothers of all ages, helping them cope with the challenges of parenting, managing households, providing for their children or overcoming other obstacles. 

“This year’s National Volunteer Month celebrates people in action,’” says Janet Sharma, Executive Director of the Volunteer Center.  “Being a mentor is an active way to be a positive influence on someone who could use a guiding hand or a sympathetic ear.  Mentors truly touch lives for the better.”

Mentoring Youth begins its 5-week training session on April 20. Mentoring Moms will meet on 5 consecutive Mondays beginning on April 25.  Deadline to register for either mentor training is April 18.  Visit our website and click on Mentoring Programs to learn more.

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