All of us need that person we can count on to listen to us and to be there during good times and bad. The Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau, JUMP program, is there for just that reason.
We know the kids in the community are navigating through life’s uncertainties and either don’t feel comfortable talking to their parents or their parents have a full schedule and not enough time or resources to give to each of their children. The JUMP program matches an adult volunteer with a youth who is on our waiting list to spend time together, hanging out, talking and doing fun things.
In order to get the word out that there are kids who are waiting to be matched with an adult, the program publishes profiles telling the public a little bit about them so that they feel more comfortable about becoming a volunteer. The name and age are changed slightly to protect their identity.
Joe is an 11-year-old boy who lives with family members and there is a total of four kids in the home. The guardian works full-time and does her best to provide for all of the children. She wants all of the kids to have every opportunity to live a full, well rounded life. It isn’t always easy to do so because one person can only do so much so she has enrolled all the kids in her care in the JUMP program. Two of the kids are matched with a mentor and two are still waiting.
Joe likes school a lot. He especially likes math and a class call Facts. He is involved in the Pokémon club, robotics and Cub Scouts. Joe has plans to join the Army when he graduates from school and eventually become a police officer. In his free time, Joe likes to draw and color as well as fish and swim. Joe is an avid reader and his favorite movie is Scooby -Doo!
Joe said that if he could have mentor, he would like to go boating, hiking and have a picnic in the park. He would also like to spend time together drawing and coloring and thinks that maybe a mentor could help him some with his school work. Even though he loves school, he could use some help with his cursive writing and with math.
He guardian describes Joe as an easy-going child who gets along with everyone in the household. She also said he is loveable, friendly and likes to help others. She also said Joe loves to learn how to cook, play soccer, basketball, ride his bike and go fishing. He basically loves to do anything that is outdoors. She thinks a mentor would be good for Joe to help build his confidence and some one-on-one time with another adult.
“Joe is a great kid,” said Jill Hampton, JUMP program manager. “He is very easy to talk to and is open to doing new things. He is very friendly and would really be a good match for almost anyone, but especially someone who likes being outside.”
If you are an adult male or a married couple who would like to mentor Joe, contact Hampton at 765-362-0694, ext. 103. Or email jill@mcysb.org.
To learn more about the Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau visit www.mcysb.org or their Facebook page at www.facebppk.com/mcysb.org.
The Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau is a United Fund Partner Agency.
