Angels Camp, CA…The Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program is delighted to announce Arnold resident Sally Kaplan as its February 2016 Mentor of the Month. Sally and her husband David are successful documentary film makers. Sally first fell in love with Calaveras County when filming California Forever, a PBS special documenting California State Parks. She was so impressed by the beauty of Calaveras Big Trees State Park and the small town charm of Arnold and Murphys that she and David moved their business, Backcountry Pictures, from Los Angeles to Murphys. Learn more about Backcountry Pictures by visiting bcpfilms.com.

“Sally is an exceptional volunteer. She was new to the area but didn’t waste any time getting involved supporting our community,” said Colleen Nunn, coordinator of Mentoring Programs at the Calaveras County Office of Education. “We are so grateful to have volunteers like Sally who pour their heart and soul into supporting our young people. Sally has worked hard to build a deep and trusting friendship with her mentee.”

Sally has been matched with her twelve-year-old mentee for two years. She is a passionate cheerleader for her mentee and has dedicated countless hours to helping her access new opportunities. “I love to watch her blossom,” said Sally. “Last summer we worked together so that she could attend a local Girl Scout camp. I helped her with the application, and we applied for scholarships. She absolutely loved the experience!”

As a mentor, Sally has enjoyed doing things she wouldn’t have done on her own, like going to the Calaveras County Fair and eating lots of pizza. “It’s been quite educational learning about Minecraft and YouTube from a twelve-year-old,” said Sally.

“My mentee has taught me to grab life by the horns no matter how tough it gets,” said Sally. She’s an inspiration. When we haven’t seen each other for a while, I miss her. She is part of my family now and I intend to stay in her life.”

In addition to being a mentor, business owner, and film producer, Sally is a member of the Calaveras County writing community and is currently working on her first novel.  She also works for Mind Matters facilitating their Fast ForWord program, a national computer-based learning system.

“If you’re going to make the commitment to mentoring, be prepared for both the time and the emotional investment,” said Sally. “However, know that you’ll get back more from the experience than you’d ever expect.”

The Mentoring Program is always seeking volunteers, and particularly needs mentors for boys in Valley Springs, Murphys, and Angels Camp. There are a number of ways to support the program, such as recommending a possible mentor and helping with fundraising. For more information about the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program, call Colleen Nunn at (209) 736-6078 or visit the program online at www.calaverasmentoring.org.