by Anita Ward
Daily Lobo
Wise, a local school-based mentoring program, is looking for UNM students who are willing to give an hour a week to help underprivileged children.
The nonprofit program, organized by Youth Development, Inc., provides an opportunity for the children, grades K-12, to spend time with people of all ages and experience things that they otherwise wouldn't, said Sally Sosa, the program's coordinator.
Sosa said that while the children are appreciative of the program and the mentors who spend time with them every week, they would like college-aged people to lend a helping hand.
110 mentors currently participate in the program, however, more children are in need and are waiting to have a friend, Sosa said.
"These children are hoping that an adult from the age of 18 on up will come one hour a week to play basketball, soccer, read, make necklaces, or just to be a listening ear," Sosa said. "Just being there on a consistent basis makes them feel that someone cares about them."
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The mentors are put through an extensive screening process that includes a reference check, interview, fingerprints, background check and a two-hour training workshop.
Veronica Jimenez, the site coordinator, said mentors are able to choose the school they want to volunteer at one hour a week.
Many of the schools are located near UNM, including a partnership that connects mentors to pregnant women and young mothers.
Some of the guidelines and benefits outlined in the Wise program include the mentor's choice in selecting a particular child from a school as set forth by the school's guidance counselor.
Female mentors have the option of either gender. However, male mentors are placed with a male child due to program rules.
Jimenez said the Wise program has been in existence for 11 years. The program is under city funding, as well as grants through United Way, she added.
"These children are resilient. Through all their trials they still come to school and get good grades," Sosa said. "They are slow to open up, but really want someone to play with them. They have enough counselors and social workers asking about their problems, so they look forward to a bright young smiling face coming to do crafts and play with them and allow them just to be kids."
These children look forward to the one-hour a week they get to spend with their mentors during school, Sosa said.
"Sometimes it is a great relief for them," she added.
Jimenez said she believes that college students are a great match for some of these children because they are young and energetic and can relate to what the children are going through.
To find out more about the organization you can visit their Web site at www.mentorship-wisemen.org.
