Missouri Mentoring Partnership celebrates 10th anniversary

A mentoring program for young parents and pregnant teens celebrated its 10th anniversary with an open house Friday.

Volunteers and others who have worked with the Missouri Mentoring Partnership since its establishment in Cape Girardeau stopped by 937 Broadway to share stories about how the program has affected their lives.

Rebecca Kugel-Rolls, a social work major at Southeast Missouri State University, has mentored two teenaged girls since she started volunteering in June. A former Big Sister, Kugel-Rolls said the experience has been encouraging for not only the girls but for herself.

"Since I don't have a kid myself, I've learned so much about what it's like to prepare for motherhood and life afterwards," Kugel-Rolls said. "This program is a great way to give back to the community. These girls need this in their lives, and we're here to help them out in any way we can."

Kugel-Rolls is one of about 12 mentors for some of the 20 young people enrolled in the program at its two locations in Bollinger and Cape Girardeau counties. An organization of the Community Caring Council, the Missouri Mentoring Partnership's main service is the Young Parent Program, which educates parents or expectant parents younger than 21 with a child no older than 3.

Benefits for participants in the Young Parent Program included pregnancy classes that teach labor and delivery preparation, newborn and toddler care and household hints and budgeting. Resources for each person include infant simulators, a maternity clothes closet and a parenting library.

Missouri Mentoring Partnership director Charles DiStefano said more fathers have become involved in the program since the Just for Dads service began in late 2007. Sponsored by the Children's Trust Fund, the service is aimed at keeping young fathers involved in their children's lives, which DiStefano said is important for child development and well-being.

"Dads are often overlooked, but I think we're trying to do our part to change that," DiStefano said. "When a dad has a quality involvement, that helps the mom know she's not doing it on her own, even if the dad isn't married to the mom. Since we began the Just for Dads group we've seen those dads have a different mindset in that they believe they should be involved in their children's life."

Howard Bellew, the Just for Dads program specialist, said the program needs role models to nurture parenting skills and provide encouragement during a troubling time.

"A lot of the young men and ladies could use a role model because most of them have no idea what it's like to be a parent," Bellew said. "Our mentors provide that strength at times."

"Our goal is to always be here for those moms and dads who need help with their educational and life goals," DiStefano said. "Many people hear about us by word-of-mouth. We're hoping to create more awareness by those in our community."

For more information on volunteering, call 332-0066, visit www.missourinmentoring.com or e-mail info@missourimentoring.com.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

Pertinent address

937 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO