Volunteer Mentors Share Time, Experience and Knowledge with Area Teens Community members help youth realize their potential through mentoring relationships

ChildServ, a private, not-for-profit organization that has been helping children and their families build better lives since 1894, needs volunteer mentors for youth in DuPage county residential care. The volunteer mentors are paired with young people between the ages of 13 and 17 living in ChildServs DuPage County group homes located in Downers Grove, Lisle and Naperville.

CHICAGO, Ill., June 20, 2002 -- ChildServ, a private, not-for-profit organization that has been helping children and their families build better lives since 1894, needs volunteer mentors for youth in DuPage county residential care. The volunteer mentors are paired with young people between the ages of 13 and 17 living in ChildServs DuPage County group homes located in Downers Grove, Lisle and Naperville.

Children end up in residential care for a variety of reasons. It could be the result of a social or economic situation; or perhaps there are physical limitations or behavioral issues. Whatever the reason is for a child being in residential care, they could always benefit from the ongoing support and guidance from caring adults. Providing advice and guidance to a young person can be a rewarding experience for the mentor and have a lasting impact on the life of a child.    

The program provides one-on-one mentoring and promotes stable and meaningful relationships between area youth and active members of the local community. The benefits of ChildServs mentoring program include a chance to give back to the community, experience working with young people, an opportunity to be a positive influence in a youths life and an opportunity to enhance the educational level and social experiences of a child.

Mentors are matched with youth based on a combination of factors, including common interests, similar experiences in life, mentor knowledge in an area of special interest, and shared expectations of the mentoring relationship. Mentors schedule bi-monthly outings with youth to provide one-on-one mentoring, fun, guidance and emotional support.

Mentoring enables volunteers to share their insight with young people who can benefit greatly from their support, says Steve Ebben, volunteer mentor for ChildServ. There are so many extraordinary individuals living right here in our community; they have the life experiences and capabilities to inspire these teens, as well as be positive role models," adds Ebben.

There are many ways to give direction to a young person. You can provide a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on; offer guidance on how to apply to colleges and for scholarships; or invite a young person home for the holidays, regular visits or on social outings. Mentors are required to be at least 21 years of age; participate in volunteer training and orientation; and submit to a physical, background check and fingerprinting.
   
For more information on ChildServs mentoring program in DuPage County or other volunteer opportunities, visit ChildServs Web site at www.childserv.org or call Jennifer Collins, Volunteer Coordinator at (773) 693-0300.
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ChildServ is a private, not-for-profit child-well being organization affiliated with the United Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Childrens Homes and Related Ministries (PCHARM). ChildServ was founded in 1894 as an orphanage in Lake Bluff, Illinois. It has evolved into a multi-site child well-being organization with 22 locations throughout Cook, Lake and DuPage counties. Today, more than a century later, ChildServ continues in its mission of helping children and families build better lives by annually serving approximately 4,000 children and their families.