Thursday, April 12, 2007
Governor Urges Senate to Restore Funding for Mentoring
Initiative
House Cuts Funding for ‘Vermont Mentors!’
Program
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas today said the decision of the
House to cut funding for a mentoring partnership “makes no sense” and said he
would urge the Senate to restore the funding.
Governor Douglas said the contributions of dedicated mentors make a
difference in communities by volunteering time to help meet the needs of
underserved children. “Across our
state, many Vermonters have responded to the call of community service by
choosing to mentor a child,” the Governor said. “By offering their friendship, guidance,
and encouragement, mentors put hope in children's hearts, and help ensure
opportunities for the future.”
The controlling majority of the House chose to cut
funding for the Vermont Mentors! program—first funded in the 2006
budget with an appropriation of
$250,000—is a partnership between the Agency of Human Services and the Permanent
Fund for the Well-Being of Vermont Children. The partnership awards mentoring grants
and is increasing the quantity and quality of mentor matches throughout the
state.
The
partnership’s original goal of using the funding to fund new programs and create
250 new mentor matches has been exceeded by 43%, which translates to 358 young
people being matched with caring adults across the state, the Governor
said.
“At a time when our state is working to reduce crime, combat substance
abuse and be sure the next generation of Vermonters gets off to the best
possible start, cutting funding for this program makes no sense,” the Governor
added. “There are thousands of
children in Vermont who need or want a mentor. Yet at most only 3,000 Vermont youth are
in mentoring relationships, while many more children sit on waiting
lists.”
Statistics show that at-risk children with mentors demonstrate improved
academic performance and are less likely to be involved in destructive
activities such as substance abuse and violence.
A study by Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America and Public/Private
Ventures show that a young person who meets regularly with a mentor
is:
46% less likely to begin using illegal
drugs;
27% less likely to begin drinking
alcohol;
52% less likely to skip school;
33% less likely to engage in a
fight.
“Mentors are friends who support young people who may
face challenging situations,” the Governor said.
“Mentors serve as positive role models, and help to set goals, instill
important values and encourage the development of skills,” the Governor
added. “And they help young
Vermonters become more confident and develop the character necessary to make the
right choices and accomplish their goals. I look forward to working with the
Senate to restore funding for this important program.”
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