Virginia’s House looks to adapt mentor program

As districts begin to approach the new school year many in the coverage area of Virginia’s House and Dr. Goodall’s House have opted to not allow visitors due to COVID-19 and this includes those within the student mentor program. The organization is looking into methods where it can continue the program which helps students annually in partnership with area districts.

The mentor program pairs an adult with a student for an hour each week where they try to provide a strong role model, while encouraging pride and self-esteem and broadening what the students believe they can accomplish. The organization does training and background checks on each adult paired with a student in each school district served.

“Our program is with the schools, it’s not with the communities or any other organization,” Virginia’s House/ Dr. Goodall’s House Director Susie Clack said. “It’s always been based on our organization with the school. The reason why I’m repeating that is because if we can’t go into the schools, we’ve had some suggestions about why not go into maybe another facility like a resource center or a church or something like that. Well, those are all good suggestions, but we want the model of our program to be with the schools because that’s the way it started and we think we’ll be stronger in the end because of it.”

Currently in Graham the program serves Crestview Elementary School, Woodland Elementary School and Graham Junior High School, with 21 students coming back into the program and nine on the waiting list. In Breckenridge, the organization serves East Elementary School, South Elementary School and Breckenridge Junior High School, with a total of 29 students being served on those campuses and 21 on the waiting list due to North Elementary School closing. The organization also is either currently working with or expanding to Throckmorton ISD, Newcastle ISD and Olney ISD.

For the rest of the story, see the Aug. 22 edition of The Graham Leader.