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Youth Mentoring Programs

With the kick-off of the 2018-2019 school year just getting under way I thought it would great this month to talk about youth mentoring.

WHAT IS YOUTH MENTORING? Youth mentoring is the process of matching mentors with young people who need or want a caring, responsible adult in their lives. Adult mentors are usually unrelated to the child or teen and work as volunteers through a community-, school-, or church-based social service program.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF YOUTH MENTORING? The goal of youth mentoring programs is to improve the well-being of the child by providing a role model that can support the child academically, socially and/or personally. This goal can be accomplished through school work, communication, and/or activities.

THE BENEFITS OF MENTORING. Mentoring is a proven strategy for positive youth development. Youth are more likely to succeed in life when they have the additional support of a caring, consistent adult mentor. Having a mentor can enhance a young person’s learning skills and help build resiliency and self-control, not to mention boost their self-esteem. Youth with mentors are less likely to engage in risky behavior with drugs and alcohol, and are more likely to develop positive relationships with their peers and other adults, and grow up to become productive members of society.

FIVE (5) REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A YOUTH MENTOR.
Help someone realize their potential. We all have unique talents and gifts. Activating the potential in someone by celebrating their talents empowers them to improve their own life, achieve their goals, and help others.

Give back to your community. The most impactful way to improve your community is to spend time investing in it. Mentoring youth in your community is a powerful way to invest in the next generation.

Learn more about yourself. Meaningful relationships are a two-way street. Learn more about your strengths, weaknesses, knowledge, experience, and beliefs by sharing them with someone else.

Change someone’s life. An intentional relationship has the power to alter a person’s life – particularly youth – for the better. You may be the only stable, positive impact in a youth’s life. The ripple effect is tremendous.

Become a better leader. Investing in the life of someone else challenges your perspective, sharpens your interpersonal skills, and exposes you to different decision-making approaches. Mentoring gives you the opportunity to learn by doing.

THE IMPACT OF MENTORING
If you ask someone about their success, you’re likely to hear about an influential mentor. Whether it’s professional, personal, or spiritual, mentoring is often a catalyst for growth and accomplishment. Regardless of the context, mentors offer steady support, hope, wise guidance, experience, and critical encouragement.

I have been a mentor at Bassette Elementary School in Hampton, Virginia for the last 3 years and I wouldn’t give up for anything in the world! I get to see firsthand what our youth are going through at such a young age. for instance I have worked with youth who were worried about their families financial situation or dealing with a parent who has a drug addiction or fighting cancer, not to mention peer pressure. I started mentoring to make a difference and give back to my community. The greatest satisfaction that I get from mentoring is seeing one of my mentee’s self-esteem shoot through the roof because they were able accomplish one of their goals. I encourage you to get involved, give back to your community and make a difference! Let’s invest in our children and watch them soar…because mentoring does work! I leave you with this quote from actor Denzel Washington.

“Show me a successful individual and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life. I don’t care what you do for a living — if you do it well I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.” — Denzel Washington

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2018 Back-to-School Shopping Tips

The new school year is quickly approaching.  Have you put together your shopping list for the upcoming Virginia Sales Tax Holiday August 3-5, 2018?  Before you go out shopping this weekend Legacy would like to share a few Back-to-School Shopping Tips for parents who recently enrolled their child/children in a public or private school with a uniform dress code policy.

Tip #1: Look in your child’s closet before purchasing any new uniforms.  Your child may already have clothes acceptable for the school’s uniform program.  You don’t have to buy all new clothes, buy what you need.

Tip #2: Purchase durable easy to care for uniforms.  Cheap isn’t always better. I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying, “You get what you pay for.”  It’s worth paying $1 – $2 more for a quality product that won’t have to be replaced two-weeks later!  For boys try to purchase pants with the re-enforced or double knee.

Tip #3: If your child’s school allows dark colors, purchase them.  White polos and khaki pants look great until you get a nasty stain that just won’t come out.  Navy or black bottoms almost never shows a stain.

Tip #4: Try different brands of uniforms.  With school uniforms, don’t be brand loyal until you have tried out several. What might seem good enough you’ll soon realize can be a lot better.  You’ll also discover the sizing is very different between brands. Use this to your advantage.

Tip #5: Don’t forget about growth spurts.  When sizing uniforms for your child give them an extra inch or two in the waist and length for those unexpected growth spurts, as long their uniforms don’t look too big and sloppy.

Tip #6: I know this is a no-brainer, but there are better times during the year to shop for school uniforms. Back to school season is always good, but if you are looking for long sleeved polos for example, the end of the winter season is a great time to pick up some that have been marked down 50-80%. Shorts can be picked up for a great deal in the early fall. If you shop around throughout the year, you’ll discover what’s a good price for uniforms in area.

Tip #7: Donate the uniforms that your child has outgrown.  Back in 2006 Legacy started a small “Uniform Closet” at the store to bless those who couldn’t afford to purchase school uniforms for whatever reason.  As an added incentive to get parents to donate their gently used uniforms rather than throwing them out Legacy offers parents a 10% discount off of their new purchase of school uniforms. The school uniforms that are donated to us are disseminated freely throughout the community on a first come basis.  Recycling uniforms not only keeps the uniform program strong; it teaches students the value of giving to others in need.

We hope these tips have been useful!  If you still have additional questions in reference to purchasing school uniforms or would like for us to come out to your school to share some of the benefits of having a school uniform program please feel free to contact us at (757) 848-5348 or via email at legacyschool_careerapparel@verizon.net.