After postponing the JUMP activity due to rain, JUMP members recently enjoyed a gorgeous day at the Oak Hill corn maze and pumpkin patch. Organizers said the weather could not have been nicer for the mentors and mentees to hike the corn maze, ride the wagon and slide down the giant slide. The children also had a great time picking out their own pumpkin to help celebrate the beginning of fall.
The JUMP program is made up of adult volunteers who mentor the youth of our community. They meet weekly, or whatever their schedules allow, to do fun things together and to have experiences that may change a child’s life. Not only do the children get to do fun things, they also get one-on-one time with an adult who cares about them and is a positive role model.
“Not only do we need adult volunteers for this program, we also need kids to match them with as well,” said Jill Hampton, program manager. “While we do have a small waiting list, I always like to have a variety of kids so that we can match the adults with children who have similar interests.”
If you are an adult who would like to volunteer or the parent or guardian of a child who is age 6-14 who would like a mentor, contact Hamption at
765-362-0694, ext 103, or email me at jill@mcysb.org.
“It is a great program and I am trying to reach as many adults and youth as possible,” she said.
The JUMP program currently has more than 50 adults matched with children and would like to see its number continue to grow since the benefits of a mentor are so great. Studies show the youth who have a mentor do better in school, are less likely to get into trouble with the law and that they have higher self-esteem. The JUMP program is one of the many programs of the Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau.
To learn more about the Youth Service Bureau, visit www.mcysb.org or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.vom/mcysb.org.
The Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau is a United Fund Partner Agency.
