Mentoring Program Saves Lives

Jennifer Tucker, Liv.True Coordinator for A Positive Approach to Teen Health.

Mentoring is an opportunity for teens to get connected with people other than parents or caregivers. Its an opportunity to be inspired, encouraged, and learn new things. About 40% of a teenagers day is spent without supervision or companionship. Mentors provide an opportunity for the mentee's time to be spent in a valuable way. Teens who have a mentor are more likely to be more successful in school, more likely not skip class, and less likely to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol.

Jennifer Tucker, Liv.True coordinator—a mentoring program in Northwest Indiana, encourages that  mentors can make a lasting impression by spending just 1 hour per week. “Just from our last 3 months of Liv.True we were able to connect with and get resources for a young boy who had thoughts of suicide. We were also able to help a young girl learn how to treat others better and to stop bullying.” Mentoring makes a difference and SAVES LIVES.

“Those teens in our mentoring program feel their mentors are some of the most trustworthy people. The youth really appreciate the chance to open up to someone,” says Jennifer. Teens need accountability and structure in their life. Many families are either single parent families or have two parents both working for extra income.This leaves teenagers a lot of time with no accountability or supervision. Having a one hour mentoring program allows them the companionship and instruction they need to make wise choices and discuss topics important to them.

“All of my mentors and myself are constantly honored about the chance to be the solution within our community. Liv.True mentors see firsthand the problems facing today's youth. Rather than complain about them and leave our youth to go it alone, these regular people with families, jobs, and countless other commitments have chosen to take time out of their week to help young people. This is why National Mentoring Month is so important. If I have the privilege of working with such selfless and dedicated mentors, I can only imagine the caliber of mentors that can be found nationwide,” says Jennifer.

Liv.True is a 1.5 hour weekly mentoring program held at multiple sites around Northwest Indiana. Liv.True mentors are trained and facilitate a program to encourage positive relationships and help students achieve their dreams.

If you would like more information on the Liv.True program or if you would like to volunteer your time to be Liv.True Mentor, please contact Jennifer Tucker at livtrue@pathblazer.org. OR call 219.LIV.TRUE (219.548-8783). To volunteer click the button below and get started right away!

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Liv.True Mentoring Application