MAYOR, COMMUNITY PARTNERS CELEBRATE GROWTH IN MENTORING PROGRAMS

CONTACT: Kara Kelly, (574) 235-5853 kkelly@southbendin.gov

FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Mayor Pete Buttigieg, South Bend Common Council member Gavin Ferlic (At-Large), Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Joseph County, and the South Bend Education Foundation’s Mentoring Program will celebrate a mentoring milestone at 10:30 am on Wednesday, April 13 in the Mayor’s Office, 14th floor, County-City Building. Since the booster club Mentor South Bend was formed in 2013, the number of community mentors has more than doubled, increasing from 285 to 608.

“I’m heartened that so many individuals have stepped up to give back and inspire youth throughout our community,” Mayor Buttigieg says. “Mentoring programs have consistently demonstrated positive outcomes for students involved, and those who have served are amazed what the relationship has done for them as well.”

Adults who serve as mentors help students improve overall academic achievement, decrease negative behavior, and avoid drugs and alcohol use. A study by Big Brothers Big Sisters found 85 percent of students with mentors showed increased academic success, 68 percent enhanced their school preparedness, and 80 percent displayed improved self-confidence.

“Mentor South Bend helps connect, promote, and support existing mentoring organizations to enhance and support their mission,” Ferlic says. “The growth in the number of mentors is encouraging, but the need for positive role models continues to serve at-risk children and help provide a foundation for their future.”

For more information, or to volunteer as a mentor, please visit MentorSouthBend.com.