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Just a few hours a week can make a big difference to a child. By
being a positive role model, the Senior Partners (mentors) in our
program help their Junior Partners to increase their confidence,
become more responsible, and further develop their social skills.
Research by Public/Private Ventures shows that young people who
meet regularly with mentors are:
46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
27% less likely to begin drinking alcohol
52% less likely to skip school
33% less likely to hit someone
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The network of Partners affiliates conducts an on-going
evaluation of its programs. The latest compilation of data
produced in October 2001 revealed that 87.5% of the kids
in the Partners program have two or more risk factors when
they enter the program. The top five risk factors faced
by these youth are:
1. At least one parent abuses or has abused alcohol or drugs
2. Family is low-income
3. At least one other immediate family member abuses or
has abused alochol or drugs
4. At least one parent has been incarcerated
5. The youth is a victim of physical abuse or neglect
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Partners Rafting Trip 2001 |
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Success Stories and Testimonials
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The Partners program utilizes
an assets-based approach that focuses on the youth's positive
characteristics and aims to build on those strengths. Overall,
the program emphasizes communication skills, responsible decision-making,
and anger management. The one-to-one, structured, community
based, year long mentorship approach used by Partners has
proven successful in reducing a myriad of self-destructive
behaviors in the youth involved in the program. From entering
the program until reaching a one-year anniversary, Partners
youth have:
- Reduced their acceptance of interpersonal violence
- Increased their self confidence and self esteem
- Are more oriented toward the future
- Did not increase their frequency of using tobacco,
alcohol, and drugs
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Partners provides an excellent mentorship program designed to support
both Junior and Senior Partners. In order to closely monitor the
development of each match, program counselors offer intensive counselor
support, speaking with the Senior Partner and Junior Partner regularly.
Partners also provides monthly group activities that offer an opportunity
to interact in a positive environment, develop appropriate social
skills, and meet other Partnerships. Additionally, the monthly life
skills workshops convey important information necessary for handling
contemporary life issues such as drug and alcohol prevention, personal
hygiene, job readiness and teen sexuality.
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A Child Gains:
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You Gain:
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A new perspective
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A new perspective
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Hope
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The satisfaction of knowing you are helping
a child
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Someone with whom they can confide
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The opportunity to share your experiences
with a child
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Someone interested in learning about their
world
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An excuse to do kid things again like go
to animated movies and ride go-carts
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A sense of belonging
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A connection to youth and your community
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Motivation
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An opportunity to watch a child grow
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Someone to help them with schoolwork
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An understanding of what kids are learning
in school
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Strength to resist negative peer pressures
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Knowledge of social pressures youth face
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Exposure to new opportunities, hobbies
and interests
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An opportunity to do fun things like hiking,
biking, skiing, pottery and baking
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A chance to be understood and heard
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Opportunities to swap mentoring stories
and advice
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An acceptance of accountability
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Constant support from the Partners counselors
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A network of resources
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Networking
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Opportunities to interact with other Junior
Partners
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Opportunities to meet other volunteers
through monthly luncheons and social events
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An advocate
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A chance to thank the person who was your
mentor by becoming a mentor
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A positive role model
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The chance to make a difference
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A friend
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A friend
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