By Katie Schubert
Omaha, NE – The Midlands Mentoring Partnership estimates 35,000 youth in the Omaha metro need mentors.
January is National Mentoring Month. The partnership has several activities planned to raise awareness of mentoring. Executive Director Deborah Neary says the partnership works with 13 organizations. "In every case, these organizations are able to demonstrate there's always an improvement in attendance in that youth, an improvement in grades, a decrease in risky behavior, there's just so many different ways that the impact of mentoring is demonstrated and how these youth are more successful because they have a mentor in their lives."
Neary says anyone can serve as a mentor, no matter age, background, or experience. She says mentors provide a valuable positive role model for children and teens.
The Omaha Mentoring Summit is scheduled for January 27th and 28th.