January is National Mentoring Month! During this month, programs across the United States celebrate the power of mentorship. They also use this month to recruit mentors, advance legislation and work toward positive change for youth.
At Restoration Project Foundation, we seek to get every young person in South Carolina connected with a mentor that can help improve their lives. That is because we believe that mentoring works! Young people who are connected with an adult mentor are:
- 52% less likely to skip a day of school.
- 78% more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities
- 130% more likely to hold a leadership position in a club or sports team.
But, one third of young people in the US do not have a positive, mentoring relationship with an adult outside of their immediate families. Also, mentorship is especially important now, as children are more isolated because of the global pandemic. The state of South Carolina is investing in quality mentorship programs as a result.
The Governor’s Office chose Restoration Project Foundation to be recipients of a $2 million grant, as part of a COVID relief package. With this grant and community donations, we are able to support multiple high-quality mentorship programs across the state.
Matt Bailey, our Executive Director says “The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted the academic and social progress of at-risk students who were already struggling to succeed. The prevention and intervention programs our partners operate throughout South Carolina will provide much-needed support and guidance for our young people and keep them on a path that avoids justice system involvement.”
Restoration Project Foundation seeks to create positive connections between caring adults and young people. Our goal is for every child to have an adult in their life that can help them make positive life choices. So, if you are ready to support the mentorship movement here in South Carolina, go to our website to sign up to become a mentor or donate today.
