This site has been an informative and useful resource for me over the past five years, as I have worked to match volunteer mentors with at-risk elementary and middle school students.  The need for tutors and mentors is so much larger than Chicago... it is a need with no boundaries.  No matter the location, we all work toward a common goal, to make a clear connection and measurable difference in the life of a child.  Like many of your organizations, my agency's mentoring program has faced challenges such as recruitment and funding issues.  We continue to push forward and see mentoring successes each year.  Much of this is due to the information sharing that takes place on Tutor / Mentor Connection.  Thanks to all for your tireless dedication and willingness to share your own experiences, which assists others facing a similar environment.

I look forward to collaborating with many of you to find creative solutions to future challenges, and filling the ever-growing need for mentors.

-Alana


note: Alana Giesecke serves as the Statewide Mentoring Coordinator for a governmental agency in Florida.  She has been successful in matching volunteer mentors with more than 650 at risk children, and was recognized as Mentor of the Year in area elementary schools for two consecutive years.

http://www.flamentoring.org/index.php
http://www.volunteerfloridafoundation.org