The Paper of Montgomery County, in cooperation with the Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau, will weekly be bringing its readers stories of Montgomery County children who are currently in need of a mentor through the Juvenile Mentoring Program (JUMP). This is the fourth story installment. All names and some situational details have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the children.
The holidays are quickly approaching and eleven year old Susan would be the perfect companion to help you shop, cook, and bake yummy goodies. She loves to do all those things and more and she needs a female mentor to help boost her self-esteem.
Susan is in the 5th grade and is the youngest of several siblings. Her father is not in her life and her mom works long and odd hours to make ends meet. She spends a lot of time with her older siblings and their family doesn't have extra money special activities. Her mom knows Susan would benefit from having a mentor who could help her meet new people and believe in herself a little more than she currently does. Susan struggles a bit at school with being teased by her peers and could really shine if she was given the self confidence to do so, as she thrives on the attention of adults.
"Susan is a really great, fun girl and has so much to give back to a mentor. She needs that extra boost of self-esteem from another female role model in her life," stated Nancy Hartley, JUMP Program Manager. "The demands of single parenting, work and raising three children don't leave Susan's mom with the extra time that she knows Susan needs".
Susan loves many sports including volleyball, skating, biking, bowling, soccer, tennis, baseball and swimming. She loves outdoor activities as well, such as hiking and camping. Being truly well rounded and showing a love for all things, Susan also enjoys being indoors and cooking, baking, drawing, painting, watching movies and playing card and board games.
When Susan grows up, she would like to be a teacher.
If Susan sounds like a fun companion and you have 1-2 hours a week to spend with her, call Hartley at 362-0694 ext. 12 for more information. YSB currently has several other boys and girls waiting for a mentor. Also, did you know YSB lets couples mentor as a team? There will be a training session for new JUMP volunteers this month, call Hartley for specific dates and times.
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