Post by Oppenheim on Apr 22, 2009 19:55:43 GMT -5
Mentors give young offenders a chance
VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
There are many people in our community who have a great deal to offer to those in need, but who simply haven't found the best fit. The Aftercare for Indiana through Mentoring program, which is in need of mentors, is Indiana's Juvenile Re-entry Program to help young offenders in their effort to return to society and become successful and productive.
Those of us who have committed to this worthwhile and important program are proud that we fill a void in a young man's life, when he needs a person who will listen, communicate and support his work while incarcerated. Statistics demonstrate a clear difference in those who are mentored through the AIM program versus those who are not. Reincarceration percentages are significantly higher for those not mentored. Unfortunately, there are many young people who cannot participate due to a lack of volunteer mentors.
While the mentoring program at the South Bend Juvenile Correctional Facility may not be for everyone, there are many in our area who possess the patience, skills and compassion to make a huge difference for youngsters at a critical stage of life. Please consider making an effort to help a young man, as well as your community.
Please call (574) 287-0500 for further information.
Jon Oppenheim
South Bend
www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090422/Opinion/904220366/1063/Opinion
VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
There are many people in our community who have a great deal to offer to those in need, but who simply haven't found the best fit. The Aftercare for Indiana through Mentoring program, which is in need of mentors, is Indiana's Juvenile Re-entry Program to help young offenders in their effort to return to society and become successful and productive.
Those of us who have committed to this worthwhile and important program are proud that we fill a void in a young man's life, when he needs a person who will listen, communicate and support his work while incarcerated. Statistics demonstrate a clear difference in those who are mentored through the AIM program versus those who are not. Reincarceration percentages are significantly higher for those not mentored. Unfortunately, there are many young people who cannot participate due to a lack of volunteer mentors.
While the mentoring program at the South Bend Juvenile Correctional Facility may not be for everyone, there are many in our area who possess the patience, skills and compassion to make a huge difference for youngsters at a critical stage of life. Please consider making an effort to help a young man, as well as your community.
Please call (574) 287-0500 for further information.
Jon Oppenheim
South Bend
www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090422/Opinion/904220366/1063/Opinion