UNITED WAY VOLUNTEER CENTER RECOGNIZING NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH

Each January since 2002, National Mentoring Month has focused national attention on the 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 to assure brighter futures for our young people. Locally, United Way of Summit County Volunteer Center will be celebrating National Mentoring Month by actively recruiting volunteers interested in mentoring and highlighting agencies that have mentoring programs.

Volunteers who would like to mentor can call Andrea Metzler at the Volunteer Center at 330-643-5512 to find out more, or apply online at www.uwsummit.org.

 Some of the current mentoring opportunities include Akron Public Schools, Big Brother Big Sisters of Summit and Medina Counties, Goodwill Industries of Akron, Inc., On a Mission to Manhood, Open M, and The First Tee of Akron. Agencies that have mentoring programs not listed are encouraged to call the volunteer center to post their opportunities.

Among the events being held to celebrate National Mentoring month will be “HELP THEM GET THERE: BE A MENTOR,” a seminar hosted by 100 Black Men of America – Greater Akron Chapter and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Summit & Medina Counties, to be held on Saturday, January 21, 2012, from 12 noon to 3:00 pm at Helen Arnold Community Learning Center, 450 Vernon Odom Boulevard, Akron.

United Way of Summit County encourages everyone to LIVE UNITED. Each of us has the power to improve lives and advance the common good when we give, advocate and volunteer. For more information on how to give now, on programs and services in our community, or to volunteer, call your United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, explore our website at www.uwsummit.org, or visit our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.