Honors Mentoring program seeking adult volunteers

DETCOG (Deep East Texas Council of Governments) coordinates and supports several youth programs, according to Lufkin coordinator Dora Wilmore.

"The Honors Mentoring Program provides adult mentors for youth aged 4-18 who have an incarcerated parent or whose parent has a history of being in and out of jail," Wilmore said.

Adults who volunteer undergo training and background checks. They must commit to spending at least one hour each week with a child for one year.

Wilmore says such services are provided in all 12 DETCOG counties plus Anderson and Cherokee counties.

"We are actively recruiting adult volunteers, aged 18 and over, and youth in need of mentoring,"

Wilmore said. "Individuals or organizations desiring to contribute to the program, but unable to commit to the mentoring relationship, can offer support by donating meeting space, professional services, monetary donations, games and other enrichment supplies for youth."

Funding is provided by the Administration for Children and Families, and donations of time, material and services come from

many local sources.

The 21st Century Community Learning Center in Jasper also relies on local involvement for volunteers and supplies, and the Deep East Texas Foundation, which received $500,000 in funding from the SSBG grants (Social Services Block Grants) this year.

Another youth service recommended by Wilmore is the STAR Program, not to be confused with Jasper's STARS program, which is an alternative high school program. STAR is Services to At Risk Youth, and serves ages 0-17.

"The primary goal of the program is family preservation (through) counseling, anger management, conflict resolution, parent education, crisis intervention, child abuse and neglect awareness," said Wilmore.

Funding is provided by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Records are confidential and the service is free throughout the 12-county DETCOG region.

The primary contact for more information is Wilmore at 1-800-256- 7696 or dwilmore@detcog.org.

For STAR help in Jasper, contact Kathy Maxwell at DETCOG at 384-5704, or Wayne Waddleton at 1-800- 256-7696. After hours assistance is available at 1-800-210-9252.