Volunteering in a mentoring program is a wonderful way for Americans to support families. Many families do not have family nearby or have to work long hours and welcome role-models who will help their child to learn positive behaviors.  Mentors help build positive relationships and build assets that help a child to realize they are important and capable to develop language and literacy skills that will help them succeed in school. Mentors share their life experiences with the children, help with homework, spend time reading stories, and chaperone field trips to local educational events.

Training to be a mentor includes a paid background check by CACY, initial workshop trainings on dealing with behaviors, homework assistance, and expectations.  The mentors meet with the students at school. Mentors share their interest, patience, and compassion to help children succeed.  On-site coordinators and a tutor will help mentors with questions that might arise.  Being a part of a mentoring program allows adults to make a positive difference in a child’s life and feel that “reward” of helping others while preparing a child to become a life-long learner.

CACY was awarded a federal Mentoring Grant through the Department of Education. Sites are organized at Crestview Elementary, Foundation Academy, Malabar Middle School, Dewald Community Center, Brinkerhoff Elementary, and Lucas Elementary School  to provide positive learning opportunities.  Community members are invited to present interesting topics to the students.  

Overview of what we want to accomplish:

• Improve the academics and education of youth
• Improve behaviors and attitudes
• Prevent the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among our youth

CACY is collaborating with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).  A mentor application is available under downloads at our website. For information on the CACY Mentoring Program, call 419-774-5683.

Updated:  10/14/09

LifeSkills Training is a remarkable evidence-based effective tobacco, alcohol, drug abuse and violence prevention program in Richland County offered by CACY. 

CACY staff provides the training in Mansfield City Schools, Plymouth/Shiloh, Lucas, Shelby  and Ontario Local School Districts.  The program is designed to:

• Provide students with the necessary skills to resist social (peer) pressures to smoke, drink and use drugs. 
• Help students develop greater self-esteem, self-mastery and self-confidence.
• Increase students knowledge of the immediate consequences of substance use.

Additional services include personal goal-setting for high-rish students and small group interventions.  CACY Prevention Educators provide LST with classsroom presentations and additional resource material for teachers.