St. Mary’s County Proclaims January As National Mentoring Month

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County proclaimed January as National Mentoring Month during their regular business meeting, recognizing local organizations and community leaders for their contributions to youth mentoring throughout the county.

This January marks the 24th anniversary of National Mentoring Month, an annual campaign that raises awareness of the need for mentors and celebrates those who dedicate time to supporting youth.

The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Mike Alderson, who emphasized the importance of mentoring in helping young people succeed academically and personally.

“Mentoring plays a pivotal role in career exploration and supports the professional growth of young people, driving positive outcomes for our workforce and businesses,” Alderson said. “Students who meet regularly with their mentors are more than 52 percent less likely than their peers to skip a day of school, and youth who face an opportunity gap, but have a mentor, are 55 percent more likely to be enrolled in college than those who do not.”

Following the proclamation, the commissioners recognized representatives from mentoring organizations, county departments and community partners who addressed the board. You can visit each link below to learn more about the individual programs that were recognized, from tutoring and summer enrichment programs to support services from the local government, and how they are leading our youth to a more promising future (or if you’re interested in becoming a mentor yourself).

Those recognized included:

Kaprece James, founder and CEO, Stella’s Girls, and Mary Young, program coordinator. Stella’s Girls educates and empowers youth to become social change agents in their communities through mentorship, leadership development and advancing the feminist movement. They offer boys and girls programs.

Angela Cochran, director of Health Promotion and Community Services, St. Mary’s County Health Department, and Brianne Daly, youth engagement coordinator. The St. Mary’s County Health Department promotes healthy choices, opportunities and environments for all who live, work and play in St. Mary’s County.

Adrienne Somerville, founder and president, Carolyn E. Parker Foundation. “Carolyn E. Parker Foundation is driven by a passionate belief that we all have a responsibility for each other during the most troublesome times. Our vision is through community outreach and the ethos of The Carolyn E. Parker Foundation, the elderly will be supported, the youth will be educated, the hungry will be fed, the unclothed will be covered and the impoverished will be restored. Therefore, Carolyn E. Parker Foundation, serving as mentors and role models in personal, social and spiritual development, is focused on transforming lives by providing resources and offering much-needed care and support to a diverse group of people.” About Us page.

Patrice Campbell, founder and executive director, Building Bridges. “Offering mentorship, educational support, outreach and advocacy to at-risk youth and providing access to community support services. Building Bridges aims to empower individuals by offering guidance, resources and opportunities that promote personal growth, educational achievement and community involvement. Our programs are designed to advocate for, inspire and empower children and families by providing them with the necessary tools and access to community connections and resources to succeed.”

Lori Jennings Harris, director, Department of Aging and Human Services, St. Mary’s County, and Cynthia Brown, Human Services Division manager. The Human Services Division is responsible for the coordination of supportive services to families and children, Christmas Caring, Community Development and nonprofit agency monitoring.

Amanda Meatyard, coordinator, St. Mary’s County Local Management Board for Youth and Family Services (LMB). The role of the LMB is to identify priorities and necessary resources within their jurisdiction. The focus of the LMB is to increase local authority to plan, implement and monitor child and family services. The LMB is made up of representatives from public agencies, nonprofit organizations, as well as community members. This interagency service system provides a continuum of care that is family- and child-oriented, emphasizes prevention, early intervention and community-based services, giving priority to children and families most at risk.

Several speakers thanked the commissioners for recognizing National Mentoring Month and highlighted the collaborative efforts that support youth across St. Mary’s County.

The proclamation encourages residents to recognize and support mentors throughout January and to consider becoming involved in local mentoring initiatives.

You can watch the full proclamation below at three minutes and three seconds.

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