The Massachusetts Mentoring Initiative
The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have supported mentoring programs across the state since 1998. Through the Mentoring Initiative, MSA has granted funds to programs for the recruitment, training and support of new mentoring matches. However, there continues to be a large unmet need; more than 4,500 children are on program waiting lists.
MSA and the Mass Mentoring Partnership (MMP) have a partnership to support mentoring programs throughout the state with funding and training and technical assistance.
A mentor is a positive role model (mentor) who provides access to people, places, and things outside a young person's (mentee) customary environment. Mentors help youth acquire important life skills such as decision-making, conflict resolution, and long-range planning while developing positive social skills and self-esteem.
Testimonial from a mentee
"My Big Brother Rick has inspired me to sign-up for sports, to play basketball and baseball. Rick and I have been to many UMass basketball home games. I love UMass so much now that I want to go to college there and play on their basketball team. He has inspired me by bringing me to fun places. I make him laugh and he makes me laugh. He has also inspired me by helping with my reading. Every Saturday or Sunday we go to his house and read about four chapters. We're now reading A Hard Line Drive to Short."
"We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give." -Sir Winston Churchill