Family Resource Center looking for volunteers to mentor students

Mike Smith (center) talks with two friends of his at Fifth Consolidated Elementary. Smith is a mentor in the Dyer County Family Resource Center's (FRC) 'Lunch Buddy' mentoring program. He said the program is beneficial to both him and the student he mentors. The FRC is looking for volunteers to mentor Dyer County students from second to fifth grade across the county. If you are interested in volunteering call Dyer County Family Resource Center Director Lisa Reynolds at 731-286-0860. [Click to enlarge]

The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves. -- Helen Keller

A mentor is someone whose hindsight can become another person's foresight and the Dyer County Schools Family Resource Center is looking for those individuals.

With the start of the new year, the Family Resource Center (FRC) is asking for volunteers to fill its mentoring program across the county.

The program is called "Lunch Buddies" because the mentor comes to the student's school and eats lunch with them at the student's designated lunchtime.

The purpose of the program is to build self-esteem in students who may need an extra boost in school and life. It focuses on encouraging the students academically, which will hopefully translate into improved grades.

Lisa Reynolds is the director of the FRC and said mentorship is a proven positive impact on a student's life.

A recent study found that youth who participate in mentoring programs experience numerous benefits. Mentored youth were found to have better attendance, a better chance of going on to higher education and better attitudes toward school. Mentoring also helps prevent substance abuse and it reduces some negative youth behaviors. It also promotes positive social attitudes and relationships.

Reynolds talked of one student who rarely smiled and "would not open up until the mentor entered his life".

"When that man walks in the building that child, he grins, he starts smiling," said Reynolds. "It's obvious there's a bond there that they've formed a true friendship and we can really tell they enjoy each other."

Although the program was established to help students, it has also been a source of joy among its mentors.

"In many situations, the mentoring program has helped the adult as much as it has the child, to kind of fill a void for the adult," said Reynolds.

Mike Smith is a retiree who mentors a student at Fifth Consolidated Elementary. He comes to the school and eats lunch with him at least once a week. He found out about the program from his wife and decided to give it a try.

"I really enjoy it," said Smith. "It changes the kids and you see how they light up when you come and see them, and I get something out of it too. I really do."

Smith's "buddy" from last year moved away, but not before he saw some positive changes in both his grades and behavior.

"It's just knowing somebody really cares what's going on with them and someone to talk to other than their parents," said Smith. "I don't see to ever quit doing this as long as I can do it," said Smith. "I love it."

Reynolds has also seen the improvements in the child that Smith mentors and sees the joy it gives Smith.

"It has been a wonderful, wonderful thing for the child and mentor," said Reynolds.

The program is for students from second to fifth grade, but just because the students get older and are not in the program does not mean the mentors don't keep in contact with their child.

"They (mentors) will work with that child and the child will move on and they will pick up another child," said Reynolds. "But, some of the volunteers keep in contact with their kid over the years."

Reynolds said the program is about 12 years old has approximately 25 mentors.

Volunteers in the program are asked to follow a few guidelines.

She has mentors of all ages, but likes for them to be at least 21. Mentors are not encouraged to give gifts to their "buddies", but rather provide them with the gift of friendship. Reynolds would also like for the mentors to come to the school at their student's designated lunchtime, at least once a week.

Smith summed up his mentoring experience in one simple phrase.

"There is not a feeling like it," said Smith.

If you would like to volunteer for the FRC's "Lunch Buddy" program call Lisa Reynolds at 731-286-0860.