Mentoring program finds success

The Missouri Mentoring Partnership, a program for "at-risk" youths between 16 and 22, is succeeding 75 percent the time, said its director, Marge Sullivan.

The mentoring program is designed to help youths find and keep employment as a means to self-sufficiency.

Sullivan, along with two program coordinators, appeared at the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce's First Friday Coffee, held at the Show Me Center Friday.

The program is currently partnering with about 135 companies that hire the youngsters on a full or part-time basis. More than 100 youth are working through MMP.

By participating, companies can receive tax credits, Sullivan said.

"If an employer hires one of our youths, and the student makes up to $10,000, the company will get to write-off half of the salary," she said.

Employers get the tax credit for youth employed in both part- and full-time positions.

Finding youth

Teen-agers come to the Missouri Mentoring Partnership either by referrals from other organizations or on their own initiative.

More information about the mentoring program is available by calling Sullivan at 332-0066, extension 12.

Also appearing at First Friday Coffee was Denis Rigdon, Project Hope coordinator, which offers a number of programs to help the needy and homeless.

Rigdon announced "Generations in Valor," which is a program designed to celebrate heroic efforts of veterans. The program is presented by area Mentoring programs, Southeast Missouri State University, The Stars and Stripes Museum, area VFW and American Legion posts, and other organizations, and churches from Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois.

"Generations in Valor" will be held Oct 24 at the Show Me Center, with exhibits from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Additional information is available by calling Amy Gordin at 651-9015, or the Show Me Center at 651-2297.