Subject: What the Governor is Talking About Today
What the Governor’s Talking about Today
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
 
Governor Announces Record Number of Children Being Mentored
 
The governor announced today that a record number of children are being mentored in Michigan according to the recent Mentor Michigan Census.  The announcement comes during the 2010 Michigan Mentoring Month, an annual effort to highlight the importance and impact of mentoring in communities across the state.  It is held in conjunction with National Mentoring Month.
 
“Despite the difficult times many of our communities are currently facing, it is obvious mentoring is still a bright spot,” the governor said.  “Through the small commitment of just an hour a week, adults are impacting thousands of Michigan youth by serving as their mentors and providing them with guidance and support.”
 
Key messages:
 
Almost 29,000 youth are being served by mentors in Michigan, the largest number ever reported to the Mentor Michigan Census.  There are 5,620 more youth being served now than in 2008, with 19,578 active mentors in Michigan.

There is still an overwhelming need for mentors.  In the latest census, programs reported that there are 3,568 youth waiting to be matched with mentors.
 
In addition to mentors, a variety of other resources are needed.  These include donations of materials, match activities and financial assistance.

The Michigan Community Service Commission has information and resources on the Mentor Michigan Web site to help potential mentors and donors find local mentoring programs.  If you are interested in becoming a mentor, visit www.mentormichigan.org and click on “Become a Mentor.”
 
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