Mentor News

Our mentors are middle and high school aged children who have volunteered to help children with Special Needs participate in recreational programs.

The mentoring program offers an opportunity for these young people to become "mentors" to children with special needs, enabling these children to participate in various recreational programs with the assistance of a "buddy". The mentoring program is run by Kinnelon PEC and encourages community acceptance and awareness on all levels. Mentors receive Certificates evidencing their hours of community service.

The first group of 17 mentors were trained in April 2005 at a 2 hour sensitivity seminar. They experienced what it feels like to have various disabilities via hands-on activities. They also learned through presentations and discussion with a pediatric therapist.

In May, several of the mentors were matched up with younger children with special needs for a sports skills clinic. They helped with throwing, catching, hitting, etc.

The next group of mentors were able to assist at our Special Needs Bowling clinic in July.

The mentors have earned high praise from the families and the children they assisted. They are to be celebrated for a great job.

For more information regarding mentoring please call Ellen Sharpe at (973) 492-2909.