January 24, 2017 – In recognition of National Mentoring Month in January, Mayor Byron W. Brown issued a proclamation declaring January as Mentoring Month in the City of Buffalo. He also thanked approximately 80 City of Buffalo employees for answering his call to take part in a new City of Buffalo Mentoring program, designed to help improve the lives of Buffalo youth.
“There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child,” said Mayor Brown. “I’m proud of the city employees who stepped up to help mentor our children to help prepare them to be the future leaders of our city.”
Two years ago, Mayor Brown answered President Obama’s call to become a My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) city, which included providing mentors to work with city youth. Today’s orientation is an essential step in this effort as the City of Buffalo continues its work as an MBK city. The Brown Administration is working to increase mentoring opportunities throughout the City of Buffalo to help young people reach their full potential.
Research shows that mentoring programs are highly effective. One in three young people grow up without a mentor. With mentors, 52% of youth are less likely to skip school, 55% are more likely to be enrolled in college, 45% are less likely than their peers to start using drugs, 81% are more likely to participate in sports or extracurricular activities, 78% are more likely to volunteer in their communities, 130% are more likely to hold a leadership position in a club or a sports team, and 90% of the mentees are now interested in becoming mentors.
Mentors will help children study for tests, complete homework assignments and learn new skills.
“The Say Yes Buffalo Mentoring Program links students who are graduating from high school and enrolling in college to a mentor,” said David Rust, Say Yes Buffalo Executive Director. “The transition from high school to college is a critical point where the most support is needed. We’re thrilled that the City of Buffalo is partnering with the program to add more mentors.”
“I thank everyone who came to our training and information session today,” said Mayor Brown.
“These city employees support our children in a variety of different ways as parents, teachers, coaches, neighbors, friends and I’m confident that as they work with our youth they will make a meaningful impact on our children.”
Mayor Brown held two training/ information sessions in partnership with Say Yes Buffalo and Compeer, Tuesday at 11 AM and 1 PM in City Hall. Roughly 80 community members were in attendance and committed to mentorship. Those interested in mentorship can call Department of Community Services Director of Recreation Kenneth Simmons at (716)851-6582 or email him at ksimmons@city-buffalo.com.