Youth organizations respond to Obama

Mentoring program is launched

By TOM KANE

MILFORD, PA — Local citizens have joined together to establish a youth mentoring program in Pike County as part of the “United We Serve” initiative that was kicked off this summer.

The program is a national effort by President Barack Obama to engage more Americans in serving their communities this summer.

The volunteer effort will last until September 11, which will be marked by a national day of service and remembrance.

The Pike County Youth Coalition (PCYC) and its executive director, Nick Troiano, were invited by the commissioners to be part of the group of service organizations to work on the program.

“When we began this process, we did not know what type of project we were going to undertake,” Troiano said. “But we did recognize that if we were to make a significant impact on any issue our community faces, it will take a group effort.”

Using the recently completed Wayne/Pike Needs Assessment as a foundation, the group decided that a mentoring program that paired responsible citizens with at-risk youth is both needed and would greatly benefit the county, he said.

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, young people who are mentored by a volunteer, even for a few hours per week, will improve their performance in school, increase their self-confidence and will be less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol.

The project’s steering committee is seeking ideas and input from the community including those who want to volunteer as mentors. Contact mentor@pikeyouth.org for more information.