November 29, 2006
Fountain County Mentoring Program
Julee Haddock
Julee Paddock, Director of the Fountain County Mentoring, Inc. program spoke to the Attica-Williamsport Rotary club on November 29, 2006.
Mrs. Paddock began her program by stating her organization is very much like the Big Brothers / Big Sisters mentoring program that is nationally known. The Fountain County Mentoring, Inc. program is designed to help children in the west-central region of Indiana that are at risk. Twenty-three children are currently being mentored through FCM, Inc. and ages range between seven through seventeen years old.
Adult volunteers are greatly needed in the Attica and SE Fountain areas of the county. Becoming a mentor is not a painful process assures Mrs. Paddock. Holding up an application, Rotary members were promised the method of applying were well worth the effort. The application process is as follows:
1) An inquiry call needs to be made to FC Mentoring, Inc.
2) A three page application must be filled out
3) A background check must be performed
4) An interview meeting with FC Mentoring, Inc.
5) Review of organization manual and placement with child
6) A commitment to spend 10 hours per month with your assigned child
Mrs. Paddock stressed that the mentoring program is not a tutoring program. While homework may be involved when being with your assigned child, the main purpose of the program is three fold:
1) to become that child’s friend / support person,
2) to build strong, healthy relationships and
3) to be an example of a positive adult role model.
The program was ended with a few words from Rotarian Bob Shepherd who is currently a FC Mentor. Mr. Shepherd stressed that the object is to have fun with these children and be the best positive role model in their life. Likewise, Mrs. Paddock stressed that while one may not see the immediate fruits of their labor while mentoring, but it is hoped that as the seeds of caring are planted, they will be carried on through these children’s lives and those of their future children. All children are worth being cared about and valued.
If you feel called to volunteer as a mentor for this excellent program or have questions, please contact Julee Paddock at 765-793-7339.
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Thanks to all who helped pick up the
trash on the Rotary two mile Adopt-A-Highway
East of Attica on November 25. Sorry we
did not have a picture.
Those helping were:
Lisa Rainwater and son River. He is
the official mascot and very hard worker for the project
Priscilla Davis
Sandy White
Mark Mason
Chris Allmand
John and Judy Bush
Below is probably what a picture of us
might have looked like if we had
taken one. I do not know these people but appears they had a good
time cleaning up their highway.
