Mentors make for better communities
January 12, 2007, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle

By DANA FRAME

National Mentoring Month is being celebrated in January to focus attention on the need for mentors.

Locally, 25 human service agencies, institutions and government entities have banded together to form Rochester Mentors to meet the needs of the many Rochester-area residents who need mentors — people to help them become more self-confident, more productive citizens.

Group efforts include sharing standards for safe, effective mentoring, measuring the community impact and enabling mentoring leaders to share their experience and knowledge.

Rochester Mentors, in collaboration with the city of Rochester, Monroe County and the City School District, will celebrate "National Thank Your Mentor Day" on Jan. 25 at City Hall.

This event will shine a spotlight on mentors and on the organizations committed to enhancing mentoring in our community.

Compeer Rochester Inc. is proud to be part of Rochester Mentors. As a nonprofit mentoring organization serving children and adults with mental illness or severe emotional issues, we have seen how mentoring relationships can boost self-esteem, help improve school performance and guide a person toward a sense of purpose.

Our volunteer mentors enable children and adults to become more socially integrated into the community by alleviating the loneliness and isolation of mental illness and by helping them lead healthier, more productive lives.

Carol contemplated suicide many times before getting a Compeer friend. She says, "Compeer has made such a difference in my life; it is literally my support system and lifeline."

John, a Compeer mentor who hadn't seen his friend Larry in years, says, "We recently ran into each other at a mall, and Larry hugged me and told me that he had completed his high school degree and was working full time — in part because of my guidance and support."

I encourage area residents to consider becoming mentors.

By visiting the Rochester Mentors Web site (www.RochesterMentors.com), they can easily connect with several local organizations that rely on volunteer mentors to make a positive impact on the community.

Frame is president, Compeer Rochester Inc. More information about Compeer's mentoring programs is available at www.rochester.compeer.org.