Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
 |
Miami Herald - July 19, 2005
Yamiche Alcindor, yalcindor@herald.com
The league is trying to find more people to work in its mentoring program to help at-risk youth.
It is having a kickoff program at 6:30 p.m. today at the league's headquarters. The event will feature free food, prizes and entertainment.
"We will have information on the program, and we will be looking for new mentors," said Tracy Roach, event coordinator. "It's about helping expose kids to new things and educating them about life."
The program links youth with adult mentors, ages 21 and older, in one-on-one relationships.
The project is aimed at teaching youth important life skills, such as substance abuse awareness, disease prevention and the importance of academics.
"It's a fun and exciting way to have an impact on a young developing mind," said Marilynn Fletcher, 29, of West Lauderdale, who has been mentoring for three years. She works full time as a sales consultant for a pharmaceutical company.
The program is designed to teach students how to avoid negative situations.
"I used to be bad, but then I started being good," said Tazomi Natta, 14, who attends Plantation Middle. "My dad was shocked."
The Urban League taught Tazomi about staying in school and respecting others. They also teach students about HIV and AIDS.
"I learned you could get STDs from your first time. We go to different places. There are summer camps, and it's just a lot of fun," said Natta, who wants to be a lawyer and a mentor.
"I believe it's the duty of every person to improve life around them," said Aaron Bass, 26, of Fort Lauderdale, a mentor who has been working with 13-year-old Stephan Edwards for a year.
"Being a mentor allows me to contribute to a child's character," said Bass, executive director of Breakthrough Fort Lauderdale, an enrichment program that prepares middle school students in four schools -- Margate, Sunrise Rickards and Dandy -- for college.
"The Urban League sat down and did my homework with me," said Stephan, a Plantation Middle School eighth-grader, whose grades went from a 1.8 to 3.0.
"My attitude changed, and it's a lot of fun. My mentor takes me out to eat, and we go on field trips."
Stephan's mother, Lisa Maxwell, initially put her child in the program to learn responsibility.
But she quickly saw that he was getting much more.
Stephan's self-esteem and confidence level increased. He is learning how to relate to people, and he's strengthening his communication skills, Maxwell said.
"I consider Mr. Bass a blessing," she said.
The league's program, called 'Rockin' With Mentors," will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at the league's headquarters, 11 NW 36th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale.
Anyone interested in becoming a mentor should come to the 'Rockin' With Mentors" session this evening or contact the Urban League of Broward County at 954-625-2544.
050719
MH050706
Copyright © 2005 - Miami Herald. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Miami Herald, Permissions, One Herald Plaza, Miami, FL 33132-1693 TEL: (305) 376-3719. http://www.herald.com.
AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .