Editor’s note: As part of the News + Record’s commitment to the community, we’re partnering with the United Way of Chatham County to help provide insight into the work of the agencies the program helps fund with a series of local agency profiles; information is provided by the agencies in conjunction with the United Way. The United Way relies on donations from individuals and businesses to meet the needs of its member agencies. Please consider a generous gift.
Focus Area: Nurturing Youth & Families (Education)
Name of United Way Supported Program: Communities In Schools of Chatham County: Youth FIRST (Mentoring)
How will Communities In Schools use United Way donor dollars?: United Way donor dollars supports the Youth First Program which provides mentoring for youth throughout Chatham County. For more than 30 years CIS, has successfully matched trained, community volunteers with youth — leading to lifelong relationships that have produced many significant and meaningful outcomes. Funding is used to support program operation and coordination, and to ensure that the youth and volunteers receive the training and services they need to keep the program both operational and effective.
Why is this program essential to Chatham County?: The goal of youth mentoring programs is to improve the well-being of the child by providing a role model that can support the child academically, socially and/or personally. Through this one-on-one relationship youth develop a critical network of support, enabling them to more fully pursue their own dreams and goals. The Youth FIRST program and mentors play a vital role in lifting up those in need to create a happier and healthier Chatham County community for all.
As the only mentoring program in the county, Youth FIRST plays a dynamic role and provides critical opportunities by opening doors for Chatham County youth that would have otherwise remain closed. These one-on-one relationships have been proven to have life changing and long-lasting impacts on both the youth and volunteers fortunate enough to participate. Despite the overwhelming success of the program, the need for additional mentoring services continues to grow.
How does the program make a difference in the community?: The Youth FIRST mentoring program has made a significant impact on the Chatham County community for more than 30 years through over 800+ mentoring matches. Serving ages 6-18 with relationships lasting an average 5 years, the impact has been incalculable. Currently, Youth FIRST serves youth in nine different Chatham County schools by connecting children and their families to volunteers who have the capacity to provide this critical support. Youth FIRST helps build community through investment in our futures greatest hope: our children.
Please share a story about a Chatham resident this program helped and the impact it made...
Communities In Schools of Chatham County would like to congratulate Armani Baldwin, a 2018 graduate of Northwood High School, for being recognized on the Dean’s List at Chowan University in Murfreesboro (Spring 2019). Students who receive this honor have successfully achieved a grade point average between 3.25 and 3.79 for the semester. We celebrate Armani for his academic success and award of distinction.
Armani was in 2nd grade when he matched with his CISCC mentor, Megan Bolejack, on September 7, 2007. For more than six years their relationship blossomed. Even after officially ending the match, Megan and Armani managed to stay in touch.
In 2013, Armani’s biggest advocate, his mother Theresa, requested a math tutor for Armani and Stephen Townsend stepped up to the plate. Steve had worked with other CISCC youth and had a proven track record of helping students increase their grades. Armani was no different. Through hard work and practice Armani achieved the Math grades he wanted.
Congratulations to Armani, and thank you Theresa, Megan and Stephen for the teamwork and support!