Program seeks mentors for troubled kids
Jay Granahan with the 33rd and 424 state district courts’ juvenile probation office says she’s recruiting volunteers to serve as mentors for young people convicted of offenses such as shoplifting, criminal mischief and truancy.
The goal of the program is to provide a non-judgmental positive influence in the lives of children who have run into trouble.
According to 33rd state District Judge Gil Jones, most juvenile probation defendants share a common factor: A lack of positive role models in their lives.
“We’re recruiting volunteers to come and walk side by side with the kids,” Granahan told members of the Marble Falls Daybreak Rotary Club Tuesday. “They are going to need that influence in their lives, much like a coach.”
Granahan said she’s canvassing local civic and church groups in her search for volunteers, adding so far she’s completed one successful match.
“We matched a female volunteer to a 14-year-old girl,” she said.
That pair, which has been meeting for a few weeks, has already discovered a common interest, Granahan said.
“They found out there was a dance class for at-risk kids in our area,” she said. “The girl loves to dance, and now they go every week.”
Each volunteer is matched to a child based on gender and interests, officials said.
“We have plenty of kids,” Juvenile Probation Director Marc Bittner said. “Finding volunteers is key.”
Granahan said potential volunteers are carefully screened through interviews and background checks.
“There’s an extensive background check,” she said. “That way, we can make sure everyone is safe.”
Once they’re accepted, Granahan said volunteers will be asked to donate one hour of their time each week for a six- to 12-month commitment.
“Do things like teach them to fish, or hunt,” she said. “The goal isn’t to heal all the woes in their lives. We’re just hoping (mentors will) be a positive voice.”
For information on volunteering, call (512) 756-5476.
chris@thepicayune.com