Mayor Robert Correia issued a resolution on January 22, 2009, recognizing National Mentoring Month and the volunteer efforts of local mentors. At a press conference at Government Center, Mayor Correia emphasized the impact that mentoring can have, not only on the young people being mentored, but on the community as a whole.  The mayor was joined by representatives from the Southcoast Mentoring Initiative for Learning, Education and Service (SMILES) and the Big Friends Little Friends program (BFLF) administered by Family Service Association.  Both organizations recruit local residents to mentor children who benefit from having another caring adult in their life. Citizens-Union Savings Bank President Nicholas Christ, a SMILES board member and mentor, urged others to get involved in formal mentoring organizations, saying the benefits are many for both the mentees and the mentors. To get involved with SMILES call 508-676-7645.  To learn more about Big Friends Little Friends call 508-730-1138 x3155. To learn more about the LIFT program at Family Services, contact Jill Murry at 508-678-7542. To get involved with the Peaceful Coalition mentoring project, contact Ine Ogagan at 508-679-0922

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(Top row, left) Family Service Associatoon Big Friends Little Friends Case Manager and Recruiter Mary Vasconcellos, MA, talks about the rewards of mentoring. (Top row, center) With mentors standing behind him, SMILES board member Nicholas Christ describes mentoring as the best way improve the long-term quality of life on the Southcoast. (Top row, right) Mayor Correia encourages anyone who is thinking about becoming a mentor to take that step and contact a local mentoring organization. (Middle row, left) First-graders at the Doran School rush into the library to meet with their SMILES mentors. (Middle row, center) Mentee Nathan Moniz brings his books to read while mentor Sara Lundquist gives Kimberly Valenti a big hug. (Middle row, right) Donovan Gilbert gets help reading from Tusi Margolise. (Bottom row, left) Six-year-old Ciara Oliveira sounds out the words as Barbara Shore points them out. (Bottom row, center) Big Friend of about 2 years, Deb Messier, with her Little Friend, Becky Levasseur at a 2008 trip to Southwick’s Zoo. (Bottom row, right) Steven Cabral chooses a book to read with Raymond Jussaume of Somerset.