Mentor Richland County
– Mentor Richland County strives to create brighter futures for Richland County youth who live in rural areas with limited access to educational resources. Through structured one-on-one mentoring, elementary students get the help they need to earn higher grades, gain self-confidence, and develop a more positive attitude toward school. Each school year, over 60 students are referred to the program, where they are matched with a mentor based on personality and interests. The children in the program often face adversity at home and benefit from a positive role model in their lives, especially when the parent is not present. The match meets once a week for an hour to work on homework, talk, and bond during open gym, playground time, or arts and crafts.
Your Giving in Action!
Our funding allows Mentor Richland County to continue to serve the youth who need us most. The program is run by a case manager, who works full time recruiting and training volunteers. In addition to accepting referrals, running background checks, and communicating with the mentees’ guardians and teachers, the case manager consistently checks in on the matches, ensuring the mentee is receiving the care, support, and encouragement they need. With the help of the Sonnentag Foundation, the case manager receives salary compensation for their significant time contribution to the program.
