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Second in a series
adults other than parents have been found to be among the most critical “developmental assets” for youth and children—those personal, family, and community traits that help ensure young people will thrive.
One in-depth study found that students who regularly met with mentors for a year or more were:
• 46 percent less likely than their peers to start using illegal drugs;
• 27 percent less likely to start drinking;
• 52 percent less likely to skip a day of school;
• more trusting of their parents or guardians;
• less likely to lie to their parents or guardians; and
• more supported and less criticized by their peers and friends
In traditional cultures, children’s relationships with these “nonparental” adults often emerge naturally from the social fabric. In today’s more fragmented society, connections between children and experienced, committed adults often must be deliberately arranged by volunteer organizations such as Headwaters’ Starfish Mentoring Program.
“Markeith looks up to Steve a lot,” said Twila Kerns, Markeith’s mother. “They do a lot together and he looks forward to seeing him every week.” Markeith, eavesdropping on the interview, interjected, “I miss him!” Kerns sought out mentors for her two children (Markeith and his sister Lianna, now 10) when she was a single mom and added, “Markeith needed a male role model to be in his life that was going to be positive.”
“Starfish is a wonderful program,” reported Candy Lamma, Rappahannock County Elementary School’s Guidance Counselor, who often refers young people to the program.
“The mentors play a critical role in helping young people realize their potential, as well as providing exposure to positive social norms. The young people who have mentors are always anxious to meet with them and look forward to a new experience or adventure.”
While many people are aware of the tremendous benefits offered by programs such as Starfish to the young proteges, perhaps fewer know of the many rewards reaped by adult volunteers.
“We were in the car one day,” remembered Carroll, “and I was teasing Markeith—I’m a teaser—and he
See MENTORING, Page B2
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