YouthFriends

The good news is the YouthFriends program is expanding weekly in the Olathe district. The bad news is there are still dozens of students who want to build a friendship with an adult mentor. YouthFriends began in the Greater Kansas City area in 1995, and is now part of school districts in three Midwestern states.

Adult volunteers serve as positive role models for students ages 5 to 18 by spending approximately one hour per week with the students. Volunteers and schools work together to choose the time to meet, whether it's during a class period or at lunch break. The activities include: lunch buddy, tutor, after-school tutor, mentor, after-school mentor, and special projects. Many district employees are among the YouthFriends mentors in the Olathe Public Schools. Although many adults recently applied to be part of the program, there is still a waiting list of students who want an adult friend and mentor.

Community Liaison and YouthFriends coordinator Heather Schoonover said mentors help students meet their academic goals, and shy students often get a pep in their step after talking with a mentor. Adults can meet their young friends weekly, team up with another friend and go once a month, e-mentor online, or read to an entire class.

"I wanted to be a one-on-one mentor instead of working with a  group of students,” said YouthFriend Michelle Cormack.This Olathe mother and Garmin employee feels a great reward being involved in the program.

“Seeing my student's face light up was the highlight of my day," she said.

Last year she met her elementary friend during lunch once a week to work on spelling, reading and just being friends.

“I think our mentors have received as much from the relationships as the students,” Schoonover said. She is also working with high school students who want to be part of YouthFriends Corps. She tries to match them with elementary students who have similar interests.

“I believe the biggest gift you can give a child is not a PlayStation, car or money, but the gift of caring and education!” Schoonover said. “I have a dream to get all students in our district a mentor.”

Schoonover will offer YouthFriend training during the school year for adults and high school students who have applied and been accepted into the program. The YouthFriend organization conducts background checks on each applicant. A YouthFriends application, in PDF form, is required. Please print, sign and mail the completed forms to YouthFriends, 315 N. Lindenwood, Olathe KS 66062. The forms must be mailed because an original signature is required for screening purposes.

For more information about YouthFriends, please visit www.youthfriends.org, download their brochure in PDF format, or call Schoonover at (913) 780-7002. (NOTICE: Please be aware that you are about to leave the Olathe Public Schools website. We do not necessarily endorse this third-party site and are not responsible for its accuracy or current content.)

(Photo: Olathe Public Schools Manager of Safety and Security LaVern Fields brought his dog to visit with his YouthFriends buddies.)