Mentors needed for after-school program

Jonathan Barrett, executive director of Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services (CVCCS), shared the story of a student who came out of her shell - both metaphorically and, in a sense, literally - when she took part in the organization's mentorship program called Rooted. "When she arrived, she kept her hood up all the time," recalled Barrett. "After a month, she took the hood down so we could see her face."

Barrett reported that the student was angry with the Lord and that she would write letters to her mentor about things she was struggling with. The mentor was patient and caring with the student. "By the end of the school year, she was open to Jesus," said Barrett. "She was crying because she didn't want the program to end."

That type of relationship building is what Barrett hopes to continue to see as Rooted prepares to kick off at the beginning of the school year. "You see the difference it makes when you invest in young people," said Barrett. Rooted is open to fourth- and fifth-grade students at Leola Elementary School. Students, who may be referred by guidance counselors or parents, are transported from the school to the CVCCS location at 2420 Gehman Lane, Lancaster, each Tuesday from 3 to 5 p.m. from September through May. Each program opens with a healthy snack followed by one-on-one time with a mentor to unwind and talk about the day. "We play a group game," said Barrett. "Then there's a Bible lesson which has been prepared (for the mentor to teach)." The sessions end with a one-on-one game.

According to Barrett, ideal mentors are good listeners, and they are engaged and compassionate. Retired people who have time to share the wisdom of their years often make good mentors. "There's no tutoring involved and no homework," stated Barrett. "We basically (provide) the lessons." Volunteer mentors are offered orientation training.

One mentor left the program because she decided to remain active in the life of the student she was mentoring after that student aged out of the program. Barrett was sad to lose the mentor but overall happy with the result. "We want life change," he explained. "We don't want to just maintain. We want a change for life."

Readers who are interested in volunteering to be mentors may sign up at http://www.cvccs.org/mentors. Individuals who have specific questions may call 717-208-3711.