January is National Mentoring Month
By Tabitha Ervin, Editorial Director
Established in 2002 and recognized yearly by the US president and administration, National Mentoring Month is a time to celebrate the power of mentoring and encourage others to explore how mentoring programs can enable organizations to create more productive, engaged and satisfied people. National Mentoring Month is a campaign dedicated to recognizing mentoring and the impact it can have on people’s lives. Whether it’s developing employees, supporting young people, or inspiring and preparing college students, mentoring enables people to unleash their full potential by learning from others. https://chronus.com/national-mentoring-month
I was able to connect with a few of the many organizations in Fort Wayne that use mentoring as a part of how they deliver programming in the community and ask them a few questions as well as hear from a mentee in each organization.
The Brandon Foundation led by Caty Smith who is the Founder and Executive Director, in its 10th year, focuses on the power of potential through one on one mentoring as well as having a family focus for youth in the program. Currently meeting at Fellowship Church, they also have tutoring and a scholarship fund that youth can apply for once graduating from the program. The program serves youth from kindergarten all the way to 12th grade and follows these young people along their journey while providing resources, opportunities and experiences.
They have enrollment of students and mentors during the summer. Please contact them or get involved online at thebrandonfoundation.org.
Edyn Moore, a mentee in the program, has participated since it started when she was in 3rd grade and is now a 12th grader. She said the program allowed her to become the best version of herself and she is proud of the young woman of color she has grown to become. She’s also starting a teen podcast called “Version You”. You can contact or email her at edynsfmoore@gmail.com
The Respect Team is led by Amy Hanna as the Founder and Executive Director. This program is focused on middle and high school students typically in health classes within the schools. Mentors focus on health, relationships, choices and respect amongst these students with the idea of changing their lives for the better. They also have the 360 Awards which honor local high school students who are making a positive difference at home, at school and in their community and Teen Speak which empowers teens to speak up and speak out as well as practice their public speaking. Teen Speak is a collaboration between the Respect Team and the Brandon Foundation. Please connect with them online at www.respectteam.com
KendaNaing Kokonaing who goes by KK, is the president of the student board of the Respect Team and has been a part of the organization since she was an 8th grader. She appreciates the volunteer mentors' influence and learning about healthy relationships as well as the endless opportunities that she has access to. She has been a 360 award nominee and a TeenSpeak speaker which helps her with her confidence in the pageants she participates in. She also has released her first book that she illustrated called Hop and Seek written by Amy Hanna and sold on Amazon.
The Bloom Project, Inc. Fort Wayne, led by Arnetta Scruggs Founder and Executive Director along with Sajatta Wright, FW Site Operations Director, is a group mentoring organization that focuses on young men ages 12-18 with topics such as careers, character development, college prep, life skills and volunteerism. The group meets monthly at the Renaissance Pointe YMCA or via zoom. They provide mentors that look like the young men so that young men see adults who look like them as representation is important. Young men typically go through the program and are welcomed to come back to speak or become a mentor. They are always looking for mentors and can be contacted at bloomprojectinc.org or directly via email sajatta.bloomprojectinc@gmail.com.
Fazhaun Alton has participated in the Bloom Project since he was a 7th grader with his older brother. He said that his mom originally forced them to go and they left the first session all smiles and feeling like it was such a great experience! He felt welcomed and has participated since then. He says he’s grown and changed as well as his horizons have been expanded throughout the process. He has appreciated the adults that come in to speak and his participation in service projects in the community as he loves to give back! He is also a mentor with the Brandon Foundation and has participated in all the organizations in this article. He is graduating this year and was named King of the Year at the last Expressions of Gratitude event hosted by the organization.
Fort Wayne Girls Rock, in its 12th year, is led by Founder and Executive Director Denita Washington. The organization serves young ladies of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through education and spirituality while providing them with mentors and leaders to enhance their self esteem and relationship building. Currently the organization serves girls at East Allen University and Paul Harding Middle School. They have hosted a plethora of large and small events over the years including Father/Daughter talks and panel discussions with dads which have been life-changing. Former participant Jordan Greene has written two books, and another, Jessica Collins, is looking to pilot a Girls Rock in Atlanta soon as well. To connect with this organization find them on Facebook or email fwgirlsrock@gmail.com and the website is coming soon!
Ja’lasha Bell, a 7th grader spoke about having fun in the program and learning how to build better relationships with friends, cousins and even her mother. She also had not been out of Fort Wayne and took a trip with the group to Indiana University and was excited and encouraged to go to college. She said the trip was “shocking”. She has been greatly impacted by the program and seen growth within herself.
