Celebrating National Mentoring Month

Celebrating National Mentoring Month with Boys & Girls Club

January is National Mentoring Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the impact of mentors in our communities. At the Boys & Girls Club, mentors play a pivotal role in shaping the futures of young individuals by providing guidance, support, and friendship. Mentors offer their time and wisdom, helping youth navigate the challenges of growing up.

The Impact of Mentoring

Mentoring is more than just a volunteer position; it's a commitment to making a difference in a young person's life. Adult mentors provide a safe and supportive environment where Club members can express themselves freely and learn valuable life skills. Research shows that young people with mentors are more likely to excel in school, set higher career aspirations, and have better relationships with family and peers.

Meet Joe Dull: A Mentor's Journey

Joe Dull has been a mentor with Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield for about a year and a half, working with Club member, Soren. Joe's journey into mentoring began when he was contracted to create a video promoting the Club’s teen program. "I saw up close the mission of the Boys and Girls Club when working with youth and really came to love the work the organization does," he said. "I wanted to see how I could help, and mentoring made the most sense."

Learning and Growing Together

Joe's experience as a mentor has been both enlightening and rewarding. "It's been a great experience," he said. "I've learned a lot about how difficult it can be for kids and how they build walls to protect themselves.”

Through their time together, Joe and Soren have developed a strong bond. They enjoy activities like building with Legos and playing games such as "Pass the Pigs" and "Uno Attack." Joe says his favorite part of being a mentor is helping Soren learn new problem solving skills.

A Bright Future Ahead

Joe has been instrumental in helping Soren realize his own potential. "He's whip-smart and funny," Joe noted. "If he takes the right steps, he could be running the world one day!"

The Power of Mentorship

Joe and Soren’s story is just one example of the impact a mentor can have. By offering guidance and friendship, mentors like Joe help young people build confidence for the future.

As we celebrate National Mentoring Month, we invite more adults to consider becoming mentors. The Boys & Girls Club is always looking for caring individuals willing to make a positive difference in a child's life.

Together, we can inspire the leaders of tomorrow. Email us if you're interested in becoming a mentor!