Mentors needed to support young moms
For the past few months, Natasha Potter has been participating in a program which helps foster independence for young mothers by providing personalized academic and parenting support.
The 23-year-old mother of one is now just a few credits shy of earning her high school diploma through her participation with Strive Niagara.
“This program is absolutely wonderful, it has really opened my eyes and given me the confidence to further my education,” the Niagara Falls resident said.
While the agency provides classes and outreach support, Potter and other participants can only access those supports Monday to Friday during regular business hours.
To fill that gap in services, Strive Niagara has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara Falls to launch a new pilot program.
The premise is similar to Big Brothers Big Sisters’ traditional mentoring program where children are paired with an adult mentor.
The Student Parent Mentorship for Success program will match volunteer mentors with young mothers involved with Strive Niagara.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” said Potter, who hopes to be paired with a mentor when the program launches in February.
“There are a lot of girls who would really benefit from having someone to talk to, a sounding board, and someone to spend time with.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters hopes to recruit seven to 10 women as mentors.
“We are very excited about this program, as we believe that it is innovative, and will not only positively impact the lives of these young women, but ultimately, their children as well,” said Jon Braithwaite, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara Falls.
“The great thing about this program is that it represents a collaboration between two organizations providing crucial programs in our community. By working together, we will have even greater impact on those in Niagara Falls in need of a mentor.”
Once approved, volunteers will receive specific training be matched with a student parent at Strive Niagara.
Staff from both agencies will provide ongoing support to the mentor as well as the student parent.
Rachelle Coote, a family support promoter with Strive Niagara, said the young mothers — who range in age from 15 to 23 — will benefit from the new program.
“They will have a positive role model,” she said. “A lot of these ladies live on their own, they’re very isolated, and they may not have that person to go to talk to. We’re hoping those connections will strengthen their support in the community.”
Brock University’s child and youth studies department will evaluate the pilot project, which is the first of its kind in Niagara.
“We want to be able to measure it and ensure it’s meeting our goals,” Braithwaite said. “We’re hoping it is successful and we can branch out across the region.”
For more information, visit www.niagarafallsmentors.org, or call 905-357-5454. alangley@postmedia.com