“Mentoring is a one-to-one trusting, caring relationship based on purposeful interactions that exist between an adult and a youth. During these interactions, time is spent helping young people gain the skills and confidence to be responsible for their own future,” she said.

She also added that the mentors seemed to receive as much of a benefit from the mentoring program as the children did.

Hall also said she believed that the core values of the Y were “a good fit” for the program and said she had already been a witness to the strong work ethic and collaboration among the staff.

“I also want to thank Greg Coop and the YMCA board for recognizing the importance of sustaining the mentoring program and for bringing me onboard. I am looking forward to working with everyone at the Y and serving our mentors and youth this upcoming school year,” she said.

Anyone interested in mentoring may contact Shannon Hall, mentoring program director, at 985-1154 or at shall@colquitt.k12.ga.us.