Adults looking to make a direct impact on the lives of local youths are encouraged to consider taking part in The Factory Ministries' Braves Mentorship program. As part of the after-school activity, adult mentors are needed to work with students in third through fifth grades on Tuesdays from March 24 through May 26 from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.

While it can be helpful if mentors have some experience working with young students, it is not a requirement. "(Mentors can be) anyone who is a positive adult who is interested in getting to know a student and being able to encourage them," said Liana Rogers, the first- through eighth-grade program and family outreach coordinator at The Factory Ministries. "(Mentors can be) a range of ages. I have high school students (as mentors) - as long as they are willing to listen to kids and want to spend time with them and get to know them and encourage their strengths and talk with them about their problems."

"Age is less of a concern to me than character," she added.

Mentoring is part of The Factory's after-school program for students. "The club takes place from 3:30 to 5:15 p.m., but I only need mentors from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.," Rogers explained. "The kids come right after school. We have a snack and free time, and we go to the gym and play games. We have lots of games and toys in our Braves room that has a lot of fun stuff. (After the mentors arrive), we do a short circle time or ice breaker and start journal time."

Mentors are paired with the same student each week for the duration of the program as they work through the Big Life Journal, which includes stories, illustrations and guided activities.

"The Life Journal is a resource. It's 10 chapters - one chapter per week," noted Rogers. "Each chapter focuses on a different character strength. The first one is 'Believe in Yourself.' There is a short story they read together, and they can go through the questions and have a discussion. The journal is really helpful if you don't know what to say. It is a guided time."

Because the discussion is flexible, students can also talk about activities in their own lives or any problems they may be having. "Most of (the mentees) are eager, (but) it does take time to build a relationship," said Rogers. "When you are consistent and show them you are there for them and care about them, that goes a long way to build that relationship."

She noted that mentors benefit from the experience as well. "It is rewarding. It is encouraging to get to know a student," Rogers said. "When I was in high school, I was a mentor and the student I mentored was in third grade. Now she is in eighth grade and is a youth center student at The Factory. It's cool to see her every week in a new stage of her life."

Those interested in mentoring are asked to contact Rogers at 717-847-9822 or liana@thefactoryministries.com. Mentors must have Pennsylvania state clearances to work with children and take part in a video training program.

The Factory's after-school program takes place in the Brave Kids Learning Center, 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise. For more information about The Factory and its programs, visit www.thefactoryministries.com or http://www.facebook.com/TheFactoryMinistries.