By ANN MURRAY | Selma and Dallas County YMCA

Children and youth pour through the doors of the YMCA every single day. During the summer many were here from dawn ‘til dusk shooting baskets, splashing and playing in the pool, or curled up in a chair with an electronic device.

We love having each one, but once in a while our heartstrings are tugged by a special kid, an obvious need, or just a hollow look. Honestly there is more than we can do.

We need partners to come alongside children at the Y and youth in the community.

Reach & Rise Mentoring is a proven vehicle to bring caring adults into the lives of children. This program gives kids another opportunity to build solid relationships and to know that there are compassionate people to support them.

Over 20 years ago Reach and Rise was developed by a YMCA leader in California and is now a core YMCA program operating in 50 states.

It is a 1:1 mentoring program that matches a mentor with youth ages 6 to 17 who lack consistent role models.

The program is unparalleled in its ability to help young people become healthier, more confident, and better prepared to face life’s difficult challenges.

In recent years additional focus areas have been added for single mothers to receive extra support, a method for anonymously reporting bullying in the community, and educational resources on the perils of drug-use.

Matched mentors and mentees meet once a week from one to two hours for a minimum of one year, with mentors serving as role models, friends and encouraging supporters.

In addition to being a source of support for children from families who are struggling, mentors help children who may be at risk of experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, bullying, problems with physical health, poor academic performance, or juvenile delinquency.

For mentors it is an opportunity to provide lasting impact on this community by simply being there for a child for a few hours, one day a week as someone who listens, offers support, and has fun. Training is provided for mentors and a program director is in place to provide support as needed.

Being a participant in our Reach and Rise Program is free for families and volunteer mentors whether you’re a YMCA member or not.

An organizational meeting for interested mentors will take place in mid-September.

Call the front desk of the YMCA for more information. 874-9622.