TeamMates makes difference
Dear Editor,
January is National Mentoring Month and we celebrate the difference TeamMates mentoring program has made in our area. TeamMates was started in 1991 by University of Nebraska Head Football Coach Tom Osborne and his wife Nancy with the intent to positively impact the world by inspiring youth to reach their full potential. It has expanded from 22 to 5,600 matches, (roughly 5,600 mentors, 5,600 youth) in 112 communities across Nebraska, Iowa and California!
Communities like ours have succeeded greatly in helping youth reach their potential. Matching youth with caring, responsible adults who provide guidance, encouragement, and inspiration, youth develop higher expectations, stability, self-confidence, and a sense of value. Research has shown that mentoring has long term benefits such as higher academics and lower engagement in substance abuse and other risky behavior.
We are proud of the involvement in TeamMates in our area. Locally we have 41 mentoring matches and counting! The support of several individuals and businesses financially has helped provide a scholarship fund and has made resources and special events possible. We believe in the impact TeamMates is making and we thank the youth who are involved, the mentors who make their lives available, and the financial supporters who have chosen to give toward something so worthwhile.
Our most sincere thanks,
Jason Van Pelt
on behalf of the
McCook TeamMates
Board of Directors