Jacobs: 'Share what you know - Become a Mentor'
January 2005 is National Mentoring Month

Mineola, NY -Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) recently partnered with Jean Lahage Cohen, Executive Director of the Mentoring Partnership of Long Island, Hauppauge in an effort to recruit adult volunteers as mentors for young children. January 2005 spotlights the importance of mentoring and the great impact it may have on a young child's life. This month-long celebration focuses national attention on the great need for mentors, as well as how each of us - individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities and nonprofits - can work together to increase the number of mentors and assure brighter futures for our young people.

"This is a perfect opportunity to make a difference in someone's life," said Legislator Jacobs. "To be a mentor, you don't need any special skills-just an ability to listen and to offer friendship, guidance, and encouragement to a young person growing up today.

According to Jacobs, anyone can become a volunteer mentor. A mentor is an adult who, along with parents, provides young people with support, counsel, friendship, reinforcement and constructive example. Mentors are good listeners, people who care and who want to help young people reveal their strengths.

To make a difference and find out about volunteer mentoring opportunities in your area, visit the website at www.mentoring.org or MENTOR/The National Mentoring Partnership, 1600 Duke Street, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314, 703-224-2200.