Reproduced from the Jefferson County Delinquency Prevention Council 2007 Annual Report with permission.
The juvenile mentoring program (JUMP) continues to make an active commitment to match at-risk youth with positive role models throughout Jefferson County. Few bonds in life are more influential than those between a young person and an adult mentor. This program was started in 2002, funded by a grant through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Now, the Juvenile Mentoring Program is supported solely through the Restorative Justice Program of Opportunities, Inc.
Throughout 2007, 7 youth participated in the mentoring program, actively meeting with their mentors and making the positive choice to spend time with and learn from the experience. Going to the movies, eating a meal together and having a chance to talk about their day, and participating in the JUMP summer picnic are all examples of activities that our mentors and mentees
are doing around Jefferson County. There has been a constant flow of youth referrals to the program; however that also brought a need for more mentors. A waiting list has been established for those youth who have expressed interest in being involved in the program and active recruitment for more mentors is ongoing.
2008 will bring more aggressive recruitment procedures including, but not limited to, staff presentations at local service organization meetings, letters to
municipalities about the need for adult mentors and media coverage to promote adult involvement.
Mentoring Program Testimonials
“I’ve mentored Shanina since she was in 6th grade, she’s
now in 10th. So it’s been 4 years, which is typically not
the norm. I do enjoy Shanina as I’ve seen her grow in a
positive way in the past four years.”
–Lynn, mentor
“She is a good kid, kind hearted, usually makes the right
decision and is willing to help a friend out always.”
–Rhonda, mentor
“I teased her the other day about how the first year she
would always forget I was coming and never be ready
and now she always is ready.”
–Rhonda, mentor
“It has been a wonderful experience. It is a fantastic
program and I think that it has been good for both
Brennan and Ed.”
–Tracey, mom to program participant
“I see Austin maturing and growing up. He is doing
better in school and I think we both enjoy the time
together.”
-Wil, mentor
