Steuben County initiating youth mentoring program
Youth Bureau looking for volunteers

BATH - The Steuben County Youth Bureau and the Department of Social Services have launched a county-wide youth mentoring program that matches adult volunteers with youth ranging in age from 10 to 18 years in a one-to-one relationship.

The community-based mentoring program will mentors and their

matches to participate in whatever activities or events they are interested in. No special skills are required. Volunteers are asked to share their time with their matched child twice a month for a year.

Research shows youth who have mentors show improvements in academics, attitude, and self-esteem, the county Youth Bureau sid in a prepared release.

Making safe, appropriate matches will be of utmost importance, and volunteers will undergo a background check, fingerprinting and training sessions before being matched.

Program staff provides ongoing support and training for the match, and organizes events for matches to attend.

The Youth Bureau hopes to have at least 25 matches by the end of the year.

For more information, call Lynne Ricotta at extension 2608 (776-9631 ext. 2608 from an external line) or email her at lynner@co.steuben.ny.us. Volunteers will be invited to attend the

Mentoring Program Orientation on March 17 at 7 p.m. in the South Conference Room of the Steuben County Office Building.