Foster program needs 33 mentors

Tennessean June 15, 2009 Thirty-three Rutherford County foster children are waiting for caring adults to step up and help them. The children — 22 are boys — are in line for mentors through Gov. Phil Bredesen's Mentoring Initiative. "We have a huge need for volunteers to begin mentoring foster children this summer," said Chrissy Everett, mentor program supervisor for Youth Villages. "It's a great time to start a mentoring relationship. Children have lots of time to fill, and there are so many fun activities that can be shared." There is a particular need in Rutherford County for men to become mentors and role models for boys, Everett said. "This would be a great service project for a church, civic group or fraternity to consider," she said. To be a mentor, you must be 21 or older; pass a mandatory screening that includes a comprehensive background check; commit to spending four to six hours per month with a child; and complete an initial training session. To become a mentor to a foster child or to request a speaker about the program for your church or civic group, call Everett at 615-250-7227 or e-mail: Christina.everett@youthvillages.org. Learn more at www.youthvillages.org/mentor.