Take Stock in Children of Florida (State HQ)’s Post

Mentors can change lives. But don’t just take our word for it—hear from Riko, a graduate of North Seattle College and former participant of Project Baldwin. This January, during National Mentoring Month, we’re proud to spotlight Project Baldwin at the Seattle Colleges. This powerful program provides mentorship and resources designed to boost academic outcomes for men of color at North, Central and South. Through peer support, networking, and guidance for both academic and personal growth, Project Baldwin helps students overcome barriers and thrive. Learn more about Project Baldwin and see the full video here: https://lnkd.in/gJpuhbaS A heartfelt thank you to all mentors who give their time and energy to empower others, and to the supporters of the Seattle Colleges Foundation for funding this transformative initiative. #NationalMentoringMonth #ProjectBaldwin #SeattleColleges #Mentorship #EquityMatters #Empowerment

Research shows that mentoring works! Young people with a Big Brother or Big Sister are 52% less likely to skip school than those without one. Listen to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta on WABE to learn more about the "Level Up: Future-Focused In-School Mentoring" program and its role in helping students positively adjust to the post-pandemic world. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #BeBig https://lnkd.in/guef6rz5

Hey, Positive Disruptors! I'm excited to share that I've recently become a mentor to 5 incredible Big Shoulders Gallagher Scholars, all bright and ambitious 6th graders. This new journey is especially close to my heart as my daughter is also in 6th grade, making it even easier to relate and connect with these young minds. Each month, I'll meet with the students to discuss their challenges, set goals, celebrate their successes, and engage in fun and meaningful activities. Being a mentor is an opportunity to guide, inspire, and support them during such an important phase in their lives. If you're interested in becoming a mentor, Big Shoulders has a rigorous process to ensure the best experience for the children, which I truly appreciate. Here's what it entails: Volunteer Process: ✅Initial meeting with Big Shoulders Fund staff ✅Complete an online background check and Virtus Training ✅Sign a code of conduct ✅Student pairing assessment ✅Attend the first meeting with the school principal, student(s), and Big Shoulders Fund staff. The impact you can have on a student's life and your community is truly immeasurable. Mentorship is such a fulfilling and exciting experience, and I encourage anyone interested in making a difference in a child's life to explore this opportunity. "The best way to predict the future is to create it." — Peter Drucker I wish you Blessings, Peace, Light, Love, and Success 💕! Shana O. #Disrupttheimpossible #Bigshoulderfund #Mentor #Mentorship #Mentees #Volunteer #Giveback #Buildyourcommunity #Youngminds

If you can read this, thank a teacher.” It’s a simple American saying but powerfully reminds us of how teachers shape our lives. Coming from a family of educators, with my grandfather and uncles serving in schools, I've always recognized the importance of teachers. In my last post, I shared what no one tells you about mentors. Today, I want to highlight what we often overlook: anyone can be a teacher. Even my 6-year-old has taught me valuable lessons that I, as an adult, sometimes fail to recognize. On this Teacher’s Day, I want to share how these special individuals have taught me and helped me grow: 🌟 My grandfather, a lifelong professor who molded countless students, including me. 🌟 My parents, who shaped me into who I am today and always say, "We’re here for you." 🌟 My little son, whose innocence and wisdom remind me of life's simple truths. 🌟 My husband Ripul Sharma, who continually inspires and encourages me, reminding me that I’m never alone on this journey. 🌟 I thank Ravi Uttamchandani, Umesh Uttamchandani, Pradeep Dutt, Sumit Gandhi, Manu Chandra, and Faraz Wadhwania, Sumit 'Curl' Karranji, whose insights have been profoundly shaping my entrepreneurial journey. Thank you all for being my teacher- mentors in life. To everyone who has inspired me through direct guidance or indirect inspiration, my deepest thanks. Here’s to celebrating those who teach us to be better and who mentor us to reach greater heights. Happy Teacher's Day! PS: This picture is from a recent visit to a preschool, where being around teachers reminded me of how educators shape us from our earliest days. #TeachersDay #Mentorship #Gratitude #Inspiration

🌟 The Power of Mentoring Children with ACEs 🌟 Did you know that children who face Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are more likely to encounter challenges later in life? These experiences can include anything from family instability to emotional or physical neglect. But there’s a silver lining: the incredible impact of mentorship. 🌈 👧👦 Why Mentorship Matters: 1. Emotional Support: Many children with #ACEs feel isolated and misunderstood. A mentor provides a reliable source of emotional support, helping them navigate their feelings and build resilience. 2. Guidance and #RoleModels: Having a mentor offers these children a positive role model to look up to, someone who demonstrates healthy relationships and decision-making skills. 3. Academic Improvement: Mentors can help with schoolwork, encourage educational aspirations, and #motivate children to stay in school and succeed. 4. Building Confidence: Consistent #encouragement and recognition from a mentor can significantly boost a child's self-esteem and confidence, empowering them to pursue their goals. 5. Creating Stability: For children experiencing instability at home, a mentor provides a sense of consistency and #security, which is crucial for their development. 💡 The Benefits for Mentors: 1. Personal Growth: Mentoring challenges you to grow personally and professionally as you adapt to meet the needs of your mentee.    2. Sense of Fulfillment: There’s immense satisfaction in knowing you’re making a tangible difference in a young person’s life.    3. Building Relationships: You’ll build a meaningful relationship that can last a lifetime and positively impact your community.    4. Enhanced Skills: Mentoring hones your communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. 🌟 How You Can Get Involved: ✅ Volunteer with Local Organizations: Many communities have programs that connect mentors with children in need. ✅ Join Mentorship Programs: Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and local youth centers often seek mentors. ✅ Offer Your Time: Sometimes, just being there to listen and support can make all the difference. Together, we can create a supportive environment for children with ACEs, helping them to overcome their challenges and achieve their full potential. Let's step up and make a difference, one child at a time. 🌟 If you want to get involved with #TEAMOC - Email Liz Lewis directly on LinkedIn! #TeamOCMentors #Mentorship #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityImpact #MakeADifference #SupportOurKids

After-school programs play an integral role in supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of underserved youth. 🎓 As a mentor in these programs, you have the power to make a profound impact on the lives of young people in your community. ✊🏾 1️⃣ First, you can act as a role model and confidant, providing guidance and encouragement to help students develop important life skills. 👉🏾 Through open communication and one-on-one attention, you can inspire them to pursue their goals and dreams. 2️⃣ Second, you can personally support their academic journey. 👉🏾 By helping with homework, explaining tough concepts, and celebrating accomplishments, you can nurture a love for learning. 3️⃣ Third, you can provide stability and trust during critical developmental years. 👉🏾 Your commitment of just a few hours a week helps students build self-esteem, make responsible decisions, and gain support from a caring role model. If you are interested in becoming an after-school mentor, visit educateusainc.org 🌐 #youthleadershipcamp #homeworkhelpers #academicsupport #mentorshipjourney #underservedyouth

Over the past 18 months I have been mentoring children and young people in schools in Enfield, as part of the Inspiring Young Enfield scheme, funded by the Mayor of London’s New Deal for Young People. With it being National Mentoring Day yesterday, I wanted to highlight one of the key activities I engage in with my boys during our mentoring sessions: the “Vision Board” session. This session is not just a creative outlet, it’s a powerful tool that helps my mentees cultivate a sense of purpose and direction in their lives. During the Vision Board sessions, we take the time to explore their aspirations, interests, and values. We discuss what success looks like to them and how they can visualise their futures. Over two to three sessions we go through a timeline from 16 years old to 30 years old, writing down the things they aspire to do and become. We then search for pictures that represent everything from dream jobs to travel destinations, relationships and personal growth. I love it when I see the boys carefully arranging their printed images and personalising their boards in a way that feels authentic to them. This act of creation is not only therapeutic, but also serves as a powerful reminder of what they aim to achieve in their own lives. When the vision boards are complete, I always ask the boys to place them somewhere in their home where they can see it everyday, so it can act as a daily motivator, reinforcing their commitment to pursuing their goals. Let’s never underestimate the power of mentoring, and the crucial role it plays in shaping the aspirations and futures of our children and young people.

I am thrilled to showcase some of the remarkable achievements of our 9th-grade students following a recent session on self-confidence led by our partner school transformation coach. In our journey to foster self-belief and empower our students, it's essential to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments. Here are just a few highlights: Academic Excellence: Our students have consistently demonstrated outstanding performance across various subjects, showcasing their commitment to learning and excellence. Leadership Roles: Many students have taken on leadership roles within our school community, serving as class representatives, club presidents, and mentors to their peers. Extracurricular Achievements: From sports to music, drama, and community service, our students have showcased their talents and passions outside the classroom, highlighting their diverse interests and abilities. Community Involvement: Through volunteer work, fundraising initiatives, and service projects, our students have actively contributed to our local community, demonstrating compassion, empathy, and a commitment to making a positive difference. Personal Growth: Each student has embarked on a journey of personal growth, overcoming challenges, setting goals, and striving for excellence, demonstrating resilience, perseverance, and a willingness to grow. Join us in celebrating these incredible achievements and empowering our students to recognize their worth and potential. Together, we can inspire confidence and success in every student! #StudentAchievements #SelfConfidence #Empowerment #Education #ProudEducators #MiTranGlobal #PositivityHub #ImpartingPositivity

REGISTER NOW! Youth & Young Adults Empowerment Workshops For males ages 12-24! 🚨STARTING NOVEMBER 16TH🚨 📅 Every 1st & 3rd Saturday | 12PM - 3PM 📍 Location: 2336 Freedom Drive Suite C, Charlotte NC 28208 🔗 Register Now: Click here https://lnkd.in/eftbx8s8 What We Offer: 💡Career: Explore various career options, from college paths to trade skills and professional careers. Learn what it takes to succeed in different fields and how to access opportunities. 💡Mindset: Develop a growth mindset with a focus on perseverance, self-awareness, and resilience. Learn how to overcome obstacles and keep pushing forward in life. 💡Pathway: Get practical guidance on creating personal goals and building a step-by-step plan to achieve them. Whether it’s education, career, or personal development, we help you stay on track. 💡Leadership: Build essential leadership skills to make a positive impact in your school, community, and future career. Learn how to lead by example and inspire others. 💡Education: Gain the support you need for continuing education, including college readiness, scholarship opportunities, and strategies for academic success. What to Expect: 📍Interactive group activities 📍Personalized content for ages 12-24 📍Mentorship and skill-building 📍A safe, inclusive environment 📍Ongoing support and goal setting Sign up today to start your journey to success!

Honoring youth voices is essential to any initiative aimed at empowering young people. This principle extends to mentoring relationships, and we should remember to view them as reciprocal pathways for growth that benefit both mentors and mentees. Today on #YouthVoiceDay, we invite you to reflect on the ways you can ensure that young people feel heard and empowered in the decisions and activities that affect them. Learn more about becoming a Spark Mentor: https://lnkd.in/ebhEJwb7 #MentoringAmplifies #MentoringMonth