January 26, 2005

United Way of Mass Bay to launch mentoring program in Lynn

Volunteers Sought for New Community Initiative

BOSTON -- Many youth in the City of Lynn would benefit from additional adult guidance and support. In recognition of January being National Mentoring Month, United Way of Massachusetts Bay (UWMB) kicked off its outreach to recruit adults for a new pilot program that aims to increase the number and quality of connections between young people and adults.

“There is more and more research that tells us youth who have strong, supportive adult relationships perform better academically, have increased self-esteem, skip school or drop out less, and even have improved relationships with their parents.,” said Milton J. Little, Jr., president and CEO of UWMB. “Mentors provide a critical bridge to a successful adulthood for many youngsters.”

As part of a two-year pilot project, UWMB will work with three Lynn agencies that currently run after-school programs to introduce best practices for relationship-building among staff and community volunteers with participating youth, and evaluate results for replication in other programs. The agencies include La Vida, Boys and Girls Club of Lynn and Girls, Inc. Through this innovative initiative UWMB hopes to create stronger relationships with parents, teachers and after-school staff for Lynn youth, increase attendance at school and after-school programs and improve academic achievement. Massachusetts Mentoring Partnership, the state's umbrella for youth mentoring, is providing training and technical assistance for the initiative. The pilot program is part of UWMB’s focus on increasing opportunities for youth.

“Mentoring is a win-win. It truly can make a difference in the life of a young person and provides an incredibly rewarding experience for the adult,” said Lynn Mayor Edward J. Clancy, Jr. “We are pleased UWMB has chosen to begin this effort in our city and hope individuals will step forward to help us create a very successful community partnership.”

Those interested in becoming a mentor can contact:
Girls Inc: Lena Crowley at (781) 592-9744 x230
Boys and Girls Club of Lynn: Leland Boutilier at (781) 593-1771
La Vida: Norma DeJesus at (781) 586-0193

Media inquires should contact:
Jeff Bellows
Phone: 617-624-8250
Fax: 617-624-9114
E-mail: jbellows@uwmb.org