Mentors make a difference one child at a time

  • Published
  • By Diane Libro
  • Volunteers of America North Louisianna
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  One Barksdale Airman is making a difference in a young man's life by participating in a mentorship program.

Since being stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Staff Sgt. Jason Greenwell, 372nd Training Squadron Field Training Detachment electronic warfare systems instructor has worked with 13-year-old La'Torri Simmons for about four years.

"Being a mentor is easy, and it makes a huge difference," said Greenwell. "I was looking for volunteer opportunities and wanted to make an impact."

Volunteers of America North Louisiana pairs responsible adults with children from its Lighthouse after-school program. More than 600 children who participated in the program this year, 73 percent live with a single parent or grandparent.

"All of them could use a mentor," said Tella Henderson, program director at Volunteers of America. "Mentors are critical partners in our effort to serve at-risk youth."

The adults provide one-on-one attention and help the children set goals and work through the daily issues children face and daily life issues that many children need.

To La'Torri, a mentor is a "special person that helps you."

Greenwell said starting the relationship didn't take too much effort. "He was just a kid looking for something to do outside his neighborhood."

Now, La'Torri is part of the Greenwell family, which includes Greenwell's wife and two young daughters. They watch movies, play basketball and Greenwell taught him how to fly remote control air planes. La'Torri's favorite part: "Everything."

The outings and excursions aren't a given. Greenwell has tried to instill some discipline by stressing the importance of good grades in school.

"If I don't get good grades, I can't go," La'Torri said.

His mom reports that his grades have gone from near failing to B's and C's; he's more respectful and helpful at home.

Mentors are asked to commit one hour a week for a year to their mentee. Greenwell found that can easily turn into two or more. He also found it hard to leave La'Torri's younger brother and cousins out, so they often pile in the car together.

Greenwell regularly encourages the younger Airmen he works with to get involved.

"Your day is spent playing video games and watching TV - do that with a mentee," said Greenwell.

The rewards of the program are hard to measure, but obvious to those involved.

"When the child comes up and hugs you, you know you've made a difference," he said. "You can see that they're happy."

To learn more about mentoring, call Volunteers of America at 221-2669 or visit www.voanorthla.org.