Need for Mentors in Pittsburg and Mount Pleasant

Today's Rotary Club speaker, Tim Wilson, is director of the Children of Promise mentoring initiative, a component of Communities in Schools. Based at Northeast Texas Community College, Wilson is working to raise up mentors for children whose parents are in jail. He estimates that about 2 million children in America have a parent in prison. The present effects on the kids - not to mention the increased likelihood they will themselves be incarcerated later in life - are devastating. He's looking for mentors who will commit to spending an hour a week with a child for a year. He says the hour a week is flexible - but the year commitment is not: these kids have seen too many adults make promises and then drop out of their lives.

The requirements for being a mentor include:

• At least 21
• Agree to a one year commitment
• Commit to spending a minimum of an hour a week with the mentee
• Have access to an automobile
• Have a current driver's license, auto insurance, and a good driving record
• Have a clean criminal history
  
• Have never been arrested, charged, or convicted of child abuse, neglect, or molestation
• Not be a convicted felon
• Not be a user of illicit drugs
• Be willing to adhere to all CIS policies and procedures

Wilson says the need in Pittsburg and Mount Pleasant is dire. They have at least 40 children that need placement. For more information you can contact Tim Wilson at TWilson@ntcc.edu or 903-434-8212.