Communities In Schools of Benton-Franklin (CISBF) is strengthening community bonds through its Empower Youth Mentoring Program, an initiative designed to pair local youth with caring adults who can offer guidance, support and a steady presence.
The program serves students in grades 3–12 as well as young adults ages 18–24, connecting them with mentors who can dedicate just two hours a month. Joely Nye-Felt, Development Director for CISBF, said the heart of the program is simple.
“We’re really just looking to create a positive relationship between caring adults in the community and youth who could benefit from that support,” ssaid Nye-Felt.
How the Program Works
For school-aged students, mentoring happens on campus during the school day. “A mentor comes in twice a month for half an hour, 45 minutes, and just engages in an activity with a student,” Nye-Felt said. “That could be making a craft, playing a game, or simply building a connection.”
Mentorship for young adults takes a slightly different approach. Meetings are scheduled at a mutually convenient time and place, and the focus shifts toward preparing for the future. “They’re focused more on career exploration, building those transferable skills that are so important as we enter the workforce, and really just providing that guidance for life as an adult,” she said.
A Community Effort With Real Impact
Nye-Felt emphasized how meaningful this program is. Not just for students, but for the community as a whole. “As it says in our name, we’re Communities In Schools, and so it’s really important that we bring the community into the fold,” she said. “We want our young people to see that there are caring, supportive adults in the community that want to wrap around them, see them succeed, cheer them on when they’re finding success, and also provide that encouragement when they maybe stumble a little bit.”
CISBF provides a two-hour mentor training, a required background check, and ongoing support to ensure strong, successful mentor-mentee matches. The organization says Empower Youth Mentoring is one of the most valuable ways residents can invest in the next generation.
How to Get Involved
Community members who have a passion for youth development are encouraged to learn more. For details or to sign up, visit the Communities In Schools of Benton-Franklin website and complete the volunteer interest form.
