Mentors need help

Dear Editor,

School has opened and students are getting back to the routine of learning. One of the many programs offered by McCook Public Schools is TeamMates Mentoring.

TeamMates, founded by Tom Osborne, matches an adult with a student grades 4-12. They meet once per week during the school day for one class period. The focus is to form a bond and strengthen character and positive decision-making for the child. Both statewide and local results indicate a student with a mentor receives better grades, has better attendance and fewer discipline concerns.

Several years ago, the McCook program was floundering and even considered folding. We had fewer than half a dozen matches and money in our account was less than $1,000. We changed directors and applied for a federal grant. We received a six-figure grant to cover multiple years. However, and it is a huge "however," the Obama administration voided the grant.

So, although we currently have 34 mentor/mentee matches, we are back to the drawing board with struggling to provide an operational budget. Compensation for staff is less than that of some of the school activities. Additionally, the TeamMates board of directors is working to establish an endowed scholarship fund for McCook TeamMates graduates wishing to continue their education. That lofty goal is a $100,000 fund.

McCook TeamMates currently has a waiting list of more than 30 students needing a mentor. We would welcome people wishing to become mentors. We also need operational funds and donations to build our scholarship fund.

As a board, we are aware of the many worthy local foundations and organizations seeking funding and volunteers. When you are considering sharing your time, talents or treasure, please consider McCook TeamMates.

Nobody stands as tall as when you stoop to help a child. For more information, contact Darcey Hansen, director, at (308) 345-6940.

Dennis Berry,

McCook TeamMates president