Angels Camp, CA…The Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program is pleased to announce that Sheep Ranch resident Vicki Harrington has been named Mentor of the Month for November 2017. Vicki and her nine-year-old mentee Cris have been matched in the Mentoring Program for just over a year.

“Vicki is an exceptional volunteer,” said Katie Lackler, coordinator of the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program. “She approaches volunteer service with humility and a lot of heart. She and Cris have built a very special relationship. You can tell they trust and understand each other.”

Vicki and Cris are a cross-gender match in the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program. Usually, boys are matched with men and girls with women, but mentoring program Best Practices have evolved to recommend that in some cases, it is appropriate for boys to be matched with women. “It is always a challenge to recruit enough male mentors for the boys on our waiting list,” said Katie Lackler. “In this case, though, Vicki and Cris came to our program to get support for their already-existing friendship.”

“One of the best times I’ve had with Cris was just recently,” said Vicki. “He showed me a comic book he’s making with all his own drawings. He’s very artistic. What I’ve enjoyed most about mentoring is being able to spend time with a young person, and seeing my friendship with Cris grow.”

Cris and Vicki work together on homework, create art projects, play basketball, and visit local parks. This past year they incorporated community service into their time by putting together an Operation Christmas Child box for a nine-year-old boy.

In addition to mentoring, Vicki is a dedicated volunteer with several local faith-based organizations.

“I’ve learned how important it is for kids to having caring adults outside of their family,” said Vicki. “Mentoring is so rewarding and it’s easy. Being in the program, I’ve also learned about how to handle difficult situations when they arise and how to support kids when they are hurting.”

The Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program holds regular info sessions for anyone interested in learning more about mentoring in our community. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call Katie Lackler at (209) 736-6078 or visit the program online at www.calaverasmentoring.org.
###