Archway Partnership Facilitates Discussion of Expanding Mentorship & Tutoring Programs

 

On Wednesday, October 24, University of Georgia researcher, Dr. JoBeth Allen, came to Dalton-Whitfield and met with coordinators from local mentor and tutoring programs.  Participants included members of the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Whiz Kids, United Way, the Mountain Top Boy’s Home, Readers to Leaders, and associates from Dalton Public Schools and Whitfield County Schools.



Local program directors meet at the Boys and Girls Club.
 

 

The group reviewed the positive aspects of each of their programs.  They all agreed that they are meeting a need in the community.  However, there are many obstacles standing in their way to grow in the community.  To have a successful and sustainable mentor/tutoring program you have to have volunteers, transportation, and funding.  It was stated that to make a lasting impact on a child’s life the mentor needs to be long-term.  The current programs need volunteers who can commit to attending and commit for a period of time.  In return, the program coordinators need to make volunteering with the children safe and easy. 

 

Staci Halyak, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, discusses her experiences with the mentoring program.

Transportation to the program activities is major necessity in the Dalton-Whitfield community.  These programs offer a safe, fun and educational place for the children to go.  Without the proper transportation they do not get the opportunity to learn, grow and interact with people who care.  This issue could be solved by potential participation from the faith based community.  Many churches have vans and buses.  They also have certified drivers.  This could be a possibility to solve the transportation problem and also involve more caring people in the community.  Funding is also a concern of the group members.  To continue doing great work in the lives of children and the community, money is needed. 

 

Directors discuss how to expand local mentor programs.

Overall, the discussion concluded with an agreement for collaboration between the programs.  Each program needs to work together towards grants, volunteers, support and other areas.  This collaboration will create a larger impact on the community and support the need for mentor/ tutoring programs in the area.  Instead of everyone competing against one another they can work and grow together.