|
National Training Focuses on Expansion of Mentoring Program
The National Native American Mentoring Program conducted a national training to kick-off their 2005-2006 program implementation. The training, held in Baltimore, Maryland October 20-21, brought together Mentoring Program Coordinators, Club Executive Directors, National Program partners, and special guests to discuss the expansion and enhancement of the program.
The training opened with Spencer Willie of the Navajo Nation who welcomed all attendees and discussed the progress made in the first year and plans for the upcoming year. His remarks were immediately followed by an address from Deborah Yatsko, Program Manager of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Ms. Yatsko emphasized the interest President Bush and Congressional leaders have in the mentoring program. She noted that the White House is particularly interested in the progress made by the grantees. She also announced that grant funds will be available in 2006 for new awardees. Ms. Yatsko concluded by thanking the attendees for their dedication and hard work and encouraging them to keep up the progress. Next Michael Guilfoyle, who serves as Prison Liaison, led a session for sites to reflect on their outreach to the prison system to help in the identification of children who have incarcerated parents. He also recommended many helpful resources for sites to build partnerships with and improve program recruitment. The remainder of the day was spent in capacity development sessions and the review of grant requirements.
That evening, the group walked to the Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and enjoyed a meal together at the City Lights Café. The dinner offered participants an opportunity to discuss their program and work at their local Clubs.
The second day of training was facilitated by Dr. Susan Weinberger, President of Mentor Consulting Group. Open dialogue occurred as sites discussed how to overcome the challenges they faced in year one and shared their unique ideas and successes. In the afternoon, Diane Wallace-Booker from the U.S. Dream Academy, another HHS mentoring grant recipient, spoke to the group about their program and best practices learned through many experiences.
The training concluded with sites stating they feel encouraged with their program’s progress and that they have gained new ideas to build the program in the coming year.
The National Native American Mentoring Program is a three-year national initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Navajo Nation. The program targets children of prisoners and works to establish a consistent, caring relationship between a child and an adult mentor. All mentoring activities take place at local Boys & Girls Club. Sixteen Boys & Girls Clubs in seven states are grant recipients. Click here for more information.
|
