LUDLOW, Vt. – Tara Pollio, outreach director for Mentor Connector, spoke at the recent meeting of the Ludlow Rotary Club about the role that the group plays in working with Rutland County and Ludlow youth. She noted that MC offers mentoring assistance to individuals, families, and collaborates with other community organizations. Currently, they assist 150 youth between the of 5-25 years.
The group has three focus goals in its mentoring programs: improving life skills, creating educational curiosity, and developing workforce programs. Pollio described the level of support the Mentor Connector provided to the mentor matches and families in the mentoring programs. She indicated that 13% all youth have suicide plans, 60% had experienced violence, and 57% “didn’t think they mattered.”
Since MC’s program is essentially a one-on-one experience, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on its ability to meet face to face and requires most efforts to be conducted remotely with the use of Zoom, FaceTime, or phone. Online group activities have been established to keep youth involved such as trivia nights, crafts, and games.
Presently, the Mentor Connector has 65 vulnerable youth throughout all of Rutland County and Ludlow on their waiting list. To become a mentor or learn more about the Mentor Connector, visit www.MentorConnector.com or call 802-775-3434.
During the question and answer session following Pollio’s presentation, LRC members related their personal experiences working with MC as mentors.
The LRC is small and is always looking to welcome new members. If you would like to attend a meeting and learn how you may Serve Humanity while enjoying the fun and fellowship of others, please contact any Rotarian or drop a note to Ludlow Rotary, P.O. Box 216, Ludlow, VT 05149. During the pandemic, all meetings are conducted using Zoom.
Articles updated with corrections, Oct. 29, 2020 11:29 a.m.