SMILES Mentoring Program

What was your dream job?

2010-09-21T11:08:00.003-04:00

Below is a clip from the latest Family Circle magazine which talks about students' dream jobs. SMILES thought this was interesting, since mentors often “worry” about their mentee wanting to be an athlete or singer. It's FANTASTIC that our children have a goal and dreams. Mentors are here to support their dreams and also help our students come up with a few back-up plans! We'll be polling our mentees and seeing what their dream jobs are, so keep your eyes peeled for those results!

What was your dream job when you were growing up?? Let us know by commenting on out blog!

SMILES Hiring New Facilitators! DoYou Have What It Takes???

2010-08-11T12:38:00.003-04:00

It's an exciting time of year for SMILES, what with all of the preparations being made before the opening of programs for the new school year. It's especially exciting when the number of programs are growing. That means SMILES has the enjoyable task of hiring more program facilitators!!

It's a great part-time job and takes a special person to fill the role. Here are some of the qualifications to be a successful mentor:

First and foremost, a SMILES facilitator must be a good role model and must like - no, love - kids!

A SMILES facilitator must also enjoy interacting with adults and be willing to nurture each mentor-mentee relationship.

A SMILES facilitator must have excellent communication skills because s/he is on the front lines for SMILES, working with the school staff, the mentors and the children to have a successful year.

A SMILES facilitator must be punctual, professional, organized, and able to work both independently as a member of the SMILES team.

A SMILES facilitator must be reliable and have reliable transportation.

A SMILES facilitator must be able to help others have some FUN!!! Why? How many solid relationships do you know that exist between people who don't enjoy being with each other???

If you know someone who might be interested in being a SMILES facilitator, PLEASE SHARE THIS. If you would like more information, contact SMILES Program Manager Marie-Frances Rivera at the SMILES office at (508) 999-9300.

Join the SMILES Team!!!

Youth Mentoring Sets Sights on Dropout Prevention

2010-07-22T12:16:00.006-04:00

To the Many Supporters of SMILES:

It's not too often that we find ourselves ahead of the curve, but in this case SMILES is out front by no less than seven years! It was seven years ago when we established our first pilot mentoring programs at two New Bedford middle schools. The mission was then as it is now - to use structured school-based mentoring as a strategy to help students achieve thier educational potential so that more of them will graduate from high school.

The following press release was issued recently by the three leading national mentoring organizations. It announces a "joint initiative to help combat America's school dropout crisis" and helps direct prospective volunteer mentors to communities with the lowest-performing schools. Fall River and New Bedford are among the 170 communites listed as having the lowest performing schools.

From a practical point of view, SMILES is perfectly positioned to take advantage of this initiative in our effort to achieve continued growth. Hopefully, broader recognition of the primary role mentoring can play in dropout prevention will translate into increased resources to support programs like SMILES that exist for the sole purpose of helping kids do better in school so they will graduate.

Whatever happens next, it's a good day when these three national mentoring organizations publicly and aggressively apply their considerable resources to the important and challenging work of dropout prevention.

- Jim Mathes -
Executive Director
SMILES Mentoring Program
A Program of People, Incorporated

July 16, 2010: Today, MENTOR, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Mentoring USA launched a joint initiative to help combat America's school dropout crisis that uses a Volunteer Referral Service to route potential mentors to mentoring programs throughout the United States, including 170 communities with the lowest-performing schools.

Known as Academic Achievement through Mentoring, the initiative was first noted at a 2010 National Conference on Volunteering and Service issue forum on mentoring as a solution to the school dropout crisis, where speakers included Joshua DuBois of the White House Office of Faith Based Initiatives, Matilda Cuomo of Mentoring USA, Dr. Larry Wright of MENTOR and Karen Mathis of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Today's launch at www.mentoring.org/aatm/ allows potential mentors to access the list of 2,000 identified schools and then type their own zip code into MENTOR's Volunteer Referral Service consisting of more than 5,000 guality mentoring programs. If visitors to the site choose, they then can be connected with a mentoring provider for the identified school district, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and others.

Mentoring is a youth intervention that research shows can help keep students in school, out of trouble and working to achieve their potential as individuals and as citizens. During the Conference on Volunteering and Service, DuBois cited alarming statistics for the capacity crowd, including:

* 1.3 million American students drop out of high school each year.
* One-third of all children and one-half of low income and minority youth
fail to graduate on time.
* Of minority students who enroll in college, only 10 percent graduate.
* Only 3 percent of today's jobs are available to unskilled employees.
* The 2,000 lowest-performing schools are located in 170 communities.

Research has shown mentoring to have significant positive effects on two early indicators of high school dropouts -- high levels of absenteeism and recurring behavior problems. Youth in mentoring relationships present better attitudes and behaviors at school and are more likely to attend college than their counterparts.

2010-07-15T13:24:00.013-04:00

What has four legs, four arms, four eyes, two heads and two HUGE smiles?
A successful mentor match, of course!

Okay, so that's not the best riddle you ever read and it's a pretty weak example of humor but it's the thought that counts, right?

Humor and mentoring go hand in hand, just ask Charlie Appelstein. Appelstein is an author, speaker and therapist who has been working with troubled kids for years. In his book, No Such thing As a Bad Kid, Appelstein stresses the importance of humor in establishing and nurturing a relationship with any youth.

Now, not all of us were born comic geniuses, right? Being funny and having the ability to make other people laugh seem to come naturally to some people but what about the rest of us?

Appelstein suggests buying a joke book and reading some jokes out loud to your mentee. You could even memorize a few. You know, build a repertoire! Other ideas include showing up wearing a funny hat or plastic nose and black glasses, or other funny costume; using props such as wind-up toys, cards and magic tricks; taking traditional games like Bingo and adding twists to them that make them silly and more fun than they already are.

Those are just a few of the ideas that Appelstein writes about. One thing he warns against is using any kind of sarcasm, as it, in Appelstein's words, "masks feelings of hostility" and is "a put-down."

Really, a little humor, especially the self-deprecating kind, can really brighten a child's day. And, it's another gift that you can give to your mentee: The gift of laughter.

The PSA at the bottom of this blog entry is a great example of how humor and laughter can help to strengthen a relationship. After you watch it, SMILES would love to know how you have used humor in your mentoring relationship, or any ideas for sharing humor that you might have.

Mentor matches blooming all over the place!

2010-06-18T15:09:00.015-04:00

It's garden season, isn't it? Planting and watering, sowing and weeding, and looking forward to the flowers blooming and the vegetables ripening.

Well, here at SMILES, everything is in full bloom now, with lots of positive results from the year's mentoring programs. And, there's plenty of evidence, such as this letter from the parent of a mentee to one of our facilitators:

Mrs. Brown,

I just wanted to thank you for doing the SMILES program and including Will. He really loves it and looks forward to it each time. Will had a tough year with diabetes and not feeling well. the SMILES program gave him a boost each week. He especially loved the exercise that all the kids wrote nice things about each other. I said to him 'We tell you those things all the time.' He said: 'Yeah, Mom, but you're my parents, you HAVE to say that.' It really added to his sense of self. So, thank you.

Then, there are notes like this one written by a 2nd grade student in a SMILES Literacy program:

And, SMILES loves to get comments such as these from teachers whose students are in literacy-based programs:

"The mentors share stories about their lives, and the children love it."

"The mentors allow the children to share their stories one on one, they are great listeners."

"Many of the children are so pleased with their reading fluency that they now volunteer to read out loud in class."

It's great knowing that the SMILES garden is in full bloom as the school year winds down. Thanks for letting us share with you. And remember, there are sooo many more children who need mentors. If you'd like more information on becoming a SMILES mentor, do contact the office at (508) 999-9300, email Nicole at nalmeida@smilesmentoring.org or check out our website at www.smilesmentoring.org.

Girl Power in Mentoring

2010-06-09T16:09:00.004-04:00

Ladies, this one's for you!

Roosevelt Middle School in New Bedford is interested in starting a Girls Mentoring Program!

Some of the SMILES staff attended a Girl's Tea at the South End school recently, where 100 professional women shared their experiences with 100 7th Grade female students. The idea was to give the young ladies the opportunity to meet area women who could share some of their experiences about becoming successful, productive women.

It was a great event! Looking around the room, you could see the shyness and anxiety of meeting new people melt away as the tea cups were filled and the breakfast sandwiches were served. And, when the idea was introduced to build on the event by establishing a weekly GIRLS mentoring program, several women said they'd be interested in participating.

What are your ideas for building mentoring programs in the community to answer the need for positive role models? Let us know!

School-based & Community-based Mentoring makes a strong partnership

2010-05-06T17:24:00.008-04:00

Mentor Tony and mentee Dominic are a 4 year strong match whose relationship would not be as powerful had it not been for the strong partnership SMILES and our community-based mentoring partners Big Friends, Little Friends (BFLF) and Big Brothers, Big Sisters (BBBS) have established.

Each spring, as our school based programs wind down for the year, we ask mentors if they would be interested in continuing with their mentees over the summer with either BBBS or BFLF.
Once a rapport and trust has been built in the school environment between a mentor and mentee enhancing the relationship by being able to "hang out" as Dominic and Tony so nicely put it is so powerful! SMILES currently has 30 active matches who are supported by Big Brother, Big Sister of Greater New Bedford and Big Friends, Little Friends of Fall River!

So, if you have a little extra time to spend with you mentee it's an excellent option! To see if this would be a good option for you and your SMILES mentee - please email Marie-Frances Rivera at mrivera@smilesmentoring.org

Also, for our SMILES mentors who are not able to commit at this point, but want more information either email mrivera@smilesmentoring.org or call 508-999-9300.

SMILES Pioneers: Tutor/Mentors & Independent Mentors

2010-04-26T11:28:00.007-04:00

SMILES is fortunate to have such a great group of individuals who are mentoring and tutoring students in an independent setting. In other words, they meet with their mentees in the school without other mentor matches and without a facilitator. We think of them as our pioneers, blazing trails for others to follow!

Recently, we met over pizza and salad with a group of SMILES tutor/mentors who are helping students at Normandin Middle School meet their academic challenges. Joining us at the table were Normandin Principal Dr. Jeanne Bonneau and many of the school's guidance counselors. The tutor/mentors are small in number (there are 7) but extremely effective. They spoke about the progress that their students were making. Many have gone from failing to passing Math. Others are doing so well, they're now looking forward to attending Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech in the future. The only request from the school is: We Need More Tutors! MORE TUTORS, PLEASE!

SMILES also recently met with Independent Mentors over muffins and fruit salad. Independent Mentor Elise and mentee Trina are pictured above. Independent Mentors meet one-to-one with mentees in a number of schools. Some of the matches have existed for several years; others are working with students who have been referred by school principals requesting mentors for particular students who they know could flourish with the support of a mentor. It was another terrific meeting, with the mentors offering some first-rate suggestions to SMILES' staff so that we can continue to support them. Once again, it was great to hear about the successes that these relationships have experienced.

If you're interested in becoming a Tutor/Mentor at Normandin Middle School or an Independent Mentor, please contact SMILES At (508) 999-9300 or send us a message through our website at www.smilesmentoring.org.

Absolutely Incredible Kid Day 2010!

2010-03-22T13:45:00.005-04:00

This is SMILES 4th year celebrating a very special day called Absolutely Incredible Kid Day. Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® is a national letter-writing campaign where kids receive letters of support, love and encouragement from parents and adults. Since we’re a group of encouraging adults in the lives of young people, it’s very well suited that we partake in this lovely day.

Our Program Facilitators have spread the word about AIKD 2010 and since our programs don't all meet with their mentees on Thursday, March 18th when this day is celebrated, SMILES stretches this holiday out for a week or two to ensure that we all get a chance to write our mentee a special note letting them know how special they are.

Below is a real sample of a letter our Director of Operations, Lynn Poyant, wrote to her mentee.

_______________________________

Dear Destiny,

I’ll bet that you’re a little surprised to be getting a letter from me. Well, I have been thinking about what an incredible young lady you are and I want to let you know how much I enjoy seeing you each week at your school during the SMILES program. It’s the best part of my week!

You’re a great kid. You’re smart, you’re fun to be with, and you have some very special talents, such as playing the violin and dancing. I know that you try hard to have a good attitude and that you care very much about other people (even though you try to hide it, sometimes.)

So, even though it’s not your birthday, or Christmas, it’s ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE KID DAY and I’m glad to have this chance to tell you that I think you’re a Very Special Person and that I’m happy to be your friend.

Peace,

Lynn

Mentors, please comment on how your student reacted to receiving their wonderful letter!!

Kids’ Involvement in Mentoring Programs at School Help Them Control Emotions

2010-03-19T11:36:00.007-04:00

The brief news article below really struck a cord with the SMILES staff, because day by day, week by week, month by month WE witness our mentees' behavior improving throughout our school-based mentoring programs. SMILES mentees become better able to express their feelings, emotions and thoughts through the activities that they do with their mentors. In our traditional 4th - 8th grade programs, one of our most popular activities is called "Voting Corners" where we encourage kids and mentors to speak their minds on an array of subjects. "If you don't go to college, you won't be successful." "Should everyone be given a second chance, every time and in every situation?" You'd be VERY surprised what 6th graders have to say about these thought provoking questions!

SMILES gives students a forum to speak their minds in an appropriate and thoughtful manner with their mentor there for support. We are certain this practice carries over to their interactions with their peers, teachers, family and others.

Please read below and comment if you have seen these changes in your mentee!

----------------------------

A new study initiated by the Researchers at University of Rochester Medical Center has suggested that teaching self control skills like anger management to kids in school using mentoring programs extends a positive effect on their classroom behavior.

"This study suggests that with appropriate guidance from a trained adult, young children are capable of learning a great deal about their emotions and skills for handling their emotions effectively and those skills can have direct, positive benefits for their functioning in school", said Peter Wyman, Ph. D., lead author of the study and associate professor of Psychiatry at the Medical Center.

The study involved 226 students, possessing behavioral or social problems at school, from two different elementary schools.

In addition, the study claims that the children enrolled in a school-run mentoring program showed more capability to handle anger and other emotions compared to others, thereby facing fewer disciplinary referrals.

Apart from posing improvement in almost all the classroom behavior fields, the children were reported to have a 43 percent decrease in mean suspensions in comparison to the others who were not a part of the program."

http://topnews.us/content/212949-kids-involvement-mentoring-programs-school-help-them-control-emotions

Carlos Pacheco SMILES Literacy Program

2010-03-09T10:17:00.005-05:00

SMILES is very proud to be working with the Carlos Pacheco Elementary School. Principal Marcia Faucher has opened her doors to our mentors and we've had such fun working with all of the young folks there over the past 4 years! Click on the video below to catch a glimpse of the happening at Carlos Pacheco.

Mentees' Thoughts Summarized by SMILES Facilitator Kristen Gunderson

2010-02-28T16:40:00.007-05:00

This past Thursday, February 26th I sat with the 13 mentees in the Kuss Middle School 7th grade program to gather their thoughts on SMILES and their mentors. Below is a summary of their thoughts and feelings on what is going well and things they would like to see changed for the better!

The 7th graders at Kuss mentioned that this year they really enjoyed the fitness/healthy eating celebration, where they made granola and went through some circuit training with SMILES Mentor Sue Dias-Cordeiro. They also enjoyed the field trip to the ATMC (Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center) where they found out about cool inventions and met with the UMASS college interns who worked at the facility. They also really enjoy the one-to-one time they spend alone with their mentor, which is then followed up by the group activities. They enjoy more hands on activities and want more projects of things they can make and then take home.

The mentees mentioned they did not enjoy the luminary activity (SMILES in the Sky) and they don’t like making contests out of everything because they feel that everyone should be a winner.

The program has thus far met their expectations and they have not been disappointed in the year so far. It is running the way Mrs. Jodoin, their school adjustment counselor and their SMILES facilitator, Katje, had explained it would.

As of now, all of the matches (save for two who are brand new) are comfortable with their mentors. This comfort level is a direct result of their mentor’s personalities, their willingness to share information about themselves in a get-to-know-me way. By the third and fourth meeting, everyone agreed that they had reached a good comfort level with their mentor.

Everyone feels as though their mentors listen to them 100% and that their feedback and advice on topics such as sports, school, drugs/alcohol, manners and career paths has been very helpful to them. These mentees get excited when they see their mentor and most of them would like to see their mentors for an additional 15 minutes during their time together. A few went as far to say that they would like to continue seeing their mentor on weekends and over vacation.

In the event that a mentee just doesn’t want to talk to their mentor that day, the mentees said that sometimes they’re just tired, don’t feel well or they’ve had a bad day in general and don’t want to do any more talking. Despite not wanting to talk, they are happy to be in their mentor's company.

Mentees have said that the best part about having a mentor is that they have someone to talk to at the end of the day who is always there, gives good feedback, listens carefully and makes you feel like you’re important and what you have to say is important.

These conversations have ultimately made the mentees feel more confident, have significantly boosted their self esteem, has helped them do better in school (both behaviorally and academically), helped them expand if not change their future goals all together, and feel good about themselves overall.

As a result of their relationship with an adult, these mentees have said they now view adults as being their equals; just because they’ve been on the earth longer than they have, they are still people. Once they thought all adults were boring and were only around to tell you what to do, they now realize that adults can be fun and interesting. One mentee said he now realizes that SMILES put in a lot of time and effort into picking out people that would be “just right” for them, not just some “drug dealin’ pill popper from off the streets”. They’ve learned not to “judge books by their covers” and said that they could walk into a room full of adults and be totally comfortable.

Mentees have said that since they’ve been in SMILES, they’ve now found it easier to speak to people (peers and adults), they’ve improved their grades, and they look at things in a more positive way.

The one thing this group would love to see SMILES do is have a talent show at the end of the year - including their mentors and their talents! They would also like to know more questions about their mentor’s childhood, their life when they were preteens.

~Respectfully submitted by SMILES Facilitator Kristen Gunderson

The little girl inside...

2010-02-16T13:42:00.004-05:00

The entry below was written by a guest blogger, Elizett Pires, who works for SMILES Mentoring as an AmeriCorps Ambassador of Mentoring. As you continue on to read this entry you'll discover how lucky we are to have Elizett on our team!

The little girl inside...
Elizett Pires
2/3/10
SMILES Mentoring

It’s amazing how fast time goes when you’re doing something you truly enjoy. Six months of my service year is complete and I still have so much to do. I may have to face road blocks such as lack of funds, time, man power or other issues, but I choose to persevere and continue with my mission each day. My motivation comes from the little girl within me. She grew up in the same neighborhood as most of our SMILES mentees. She went to some of the same schools that SMILES programs are in. She moved to New Bedford from Cape Verde when she was about three-years-old with three older sisters and her mother, who by the way had never worked a day in her life. It wasn’t until they came to the US that her mother got a job. Her mother slaved away in a fish factory for sometimes what were 14/15 hour days, leaving her eldest sister who was only 10 at the time to take care of the younger children after school. Her mother would still manage to come home each day to make them dinner and braid their hair for school the next day. After that she still had another task, night school to learn English. That was their life, the only life they really knew back then since the little girl’s father was always working at sea. You may read this and think that her mom was an unfit parent but to this little girl she was and always will be the glue that keeps their family together. In those days she was fortunate enough to have a few people in her life that really helped her to mature and flourish. They were a next door neighbor who was like a second grandmother to her, a church member who pushed and challenged her both emotionally and spiritually and an academic who showed her the opportunities that were available to her if she worked hard enough for them. The little girl was fortunate enough to have three amazing mentors throughout her childhood. So, it is that little girl that I hear and see in so many of the young mentees in SMILES. That little girl and SMILES mentees may not all have the same story but they have one thing in common, they are or were once considered at-risk youth in the South Coast community. I am that little girl and I don’t think I would be the person I am today without their influences. In some ways I think I am luckier than other Highland Street Corps members because I have the privilege to serve in my own community. I have been given the opportunity to place amazing individuals with great hearts and intentions into the lives of youth who truly need another positive influence and role model.I’ve shared my story but you must be wondering, “How exactly are you making a difference?”Well at SMILES I serve two major functions with one important mission, capacity building. My first function is recruitment efforts. This includes processing new mentors, going out into the community and presenting about SMILES, creating new marketing tools or creating new strategies for getting SMILES’ name out there.Some projects that I have especially enjoyed have been going into the local universities and presenting to college students about SMILES. It’s so nice to see 18-22 year olds who care about those that come after them and truly wanting to make a difference. As someone who recently graduated from college I know how hard it is to balance school, student life, and jobs alone; never mind adding in a huge commitment such as mentoring. I’ve also been able to and will continue to work on creating video PSA’s and recruitment videos for SMILES. It is such a time consuming task but the end result is truly amazing. In the videos we hope to capture the true essence of what mentoring is. They will include feedback from mentees, school teachers/counselors, staff and mentors who have powerful stories to share.In terms of recruitment, things are going great. I’ve been able to match 100 mentors since I began my service year in August and have received almost 400 inquiries. This is truly amazing and I’m so happy to be working on such a critical part of what SMILES does.My second major function at SMILES is match support. In my opinion this is the area that needs the most attention so I am always trying to find new ways to reach out to current mentors. I’ve called many mentors to talk about what is going on, I’ve created a newsletter and a wall of fame for them, and I’ve also helped with planning events for them.The match support effort that I am most proud of so far is the Monthly Mentor Magazine I created because it is a simple way of reaching out to just about all of our mentors. The magazine includes tips for successful mentoring relationships, answers to tough questions, it highlights matches and more.As you can see I have been busy but I’ve enjoyed it and expect to get busier as the year progresses. I am an AmeriCorps member and I will get things done!

Follow up from the Statehouse in the Standard Times - Match speaks their mind!

2010-02-05T10:48:00.007-05:00

Click here to read the article: http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100205/OPINION/2050331

SMILES Match shares their story

2010-02-01T20:14:00.006-05:00

This video was shot and produced by SMILES Americorps Ambassador of Mentoring, Elizett Pires. It's a great insight into a really strong SMILES relationship.

SMILES attends Youth Mentoring Day at the Statehouse

2010-02-01T19:17:00.007-05:00

Thursday, January 21st 2010 was a fantastic day for SMILES Mentoring! We were graced with the opportunity to visit the Massachusetts Statehouse with 12 mentor/mentee matches. We were given the opportunity to meet with over a half dozen of our area law makers and have our voices heard. Representative Aguiar, Representative Canessa, Representative Haddad, Representative Rodrigues, Representative Sullivan, State Senator Menard and State Senator Montigny were all gracious enough to open their office doors and personally listen to SMILES mentors, mentees and staff speak about the power of mentoring and what they can do to help the program grow.

We were able to tour the grandious Statehouse and learned fun facts, like that fact that the golden dome of the Statehouse is covered in 23 karat gold flakes thinner than paper!

SMILES mentees urged the legislators to find more funding for programs like SMILES and other afterschool/extracurricular activities, since they're seeing many of their friends getting into trouble on the streets.

Our voices were loud and unified along with many other programs that day at the Statehouse. Check out our pictures below!

David Shapiro, Executive Director of the Mass Mentoring Partnership addressing the crowd.Group of SMILES matches with Rep. Haddad, Rep. Aguiar, Rep. Sullivan and Rep RodriguesSMILES matches looking very official in the Senate Chambers - thanks Senator Menard for the inside peek!

National Mentoring Month

2010-01-14T09:29:00.003-05:00

This is a HUGE month for SMILES Mentoring and all of the countless mentoring organizations across this Commonwealth and the U.S.A.

The White House has released President Obama's proclamation stating that January is officially National Mentoring Month in America.

The proclamation, in part, reads: "Every day, mentors in communities across our Nation provide crucial support and guidance to young people. Whether a day is spent helping with homework, playing catch, or just listening, these moments can have an enormous, lasting effect on a child's life. During National Mentoring Month, we recognize those who give generously of themselves by mentoring young Americans.

"NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 2010 as National Mentoring Month. I call upon public officials, business and community leaders, educators, and Americans across the country to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs."

To do our part in securing National Mentoring Month as a mainstay in the SouthCoast we've partnered up with other local mentoring organizations to get the word out about the power of mentoring.

We've organized two press conferences with our local partners, one in Fall River the other in New Bedford.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/fall-river/news/x532573526/Ceremony-held-in-Fall-River-to-recognize-mentoring-volunteers

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090123/NEWS/901230343/1011/TOWN10

SMILES is also collaborating with Big Friends, Little Friends and Big Brother, Big Sister to host the SOUTHCOAST MENTORING RALLY taking place on Wednesday, January 27th from 6-7:30pm at UMASS Dartmouth - Woodland Commons building.

We're looking to have a large turnout of mentors, mentees, program staff and prospective mentors at the rally! We will be showcasing special guests, prizes, music and fun!! All ages are welcome come join us and bring a friend!

We feel truly fortunate in the Southcoast to have such an active and vibrant group of organizations and volunteers serving the youth of this community and we work everyday to inform more people about the power of mentoring!

Miles for SMILES - Online Fundraising Tool

2009-12-23T13:11:00.004-05:00

SMILES is working hard to make our 2nd Annual Miles for SMILES event more successful than the first! For our 2010 walk/run/bike we're having our teams use "Firstgiving", it's an online fundraising tool that's as easy as using email; if you have an email account, you can fundraise online to support SMILES!

Our page is www.firstgiving.org/smilesmentoring and there are instructions on the homepage on how to create your own page. Or watch these quick video tutorials!

How to edit your fundraising page:

How to email your firstgiving page:

SMILES Holiday Party

2009-12-17T15:46:00.010-05:00

The festive season is upon us and mentees are enjoying their last session of the year by kicking back and celebrating with their mentors. We decided to follow suit and had a lovely staff party complete with holiday music, delicious homemade goodies and carolling! Here are some pictures!

Facilitators Jared, Mary and Megan

Our Director of Operations, Lynn Poyant with our lovely spread!

Facilitator Kristen at her usual spot by the copier!

USA TODAY Reports...

2009-11-25T11:16:00.003-05:00

First lady launches White House mentoring program

WASHINGTON (AP) — First lady Michelle Obama launched a mentoring program Monday to give local high school girls access to women at the White House.
Thirteen of the girls joined the first lady and 18 White House staffers, including advisers Valerie Jarrett and Melody Barnes, in the State Dining Room to kick off the program, which Mrs. Obama said was one of her top goals on becoming first lady.

Click here to read the rest of the article.

Mentors are Asset Builders!!

2009-11-17T11:02:00.004-05:00

In our traditional group mentoring programs many of the activities and worksheets we complete with our mentees are based on enhancing our mentees' "40 Development Assets." Watch the video below and find out more about what this means!

Mark your calendars! Miles for SMILES - Saturday, March 13th, 2010

2009-11-16T20:58:00.006-05:00

SAVE THE DATE!! Saturday, March 13th 2010...Join us for our 2nd Annual Miles for SMILES it's a walk, run, bike or skate-a-thon to benefit SMILES Mentoring! Tell a friend! Create a team and walk together for a great cause!!

SMILES will be using an online fundraising tool to make it easy for participants to raise funds!

http://www.firstgiving.com/smilesmentoring

2009 Northeast Regional Mentoring Conference - United Hands for Mentoring

2009-10-19T18:27:00.009-04:00

SMILES Mentoring attended the 2009 Northeast Regional Mentoring Conference "United Hands for Mentoring" in Providence, RI this past week. Over 50 mentoring programs were in attendance from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Maine, Vermont and even Canada! The conference kicked off with a wonderful reception at the Providence Marriott, followed by thought provoking workshops and keynote speakers on Friday.

The planning of the conference was spearheaded by the Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership. They recruited many generous sponsors, most notable being the Premiere Event Sponsor - Webster Bank and the Reception Sponsor - SWAROVSKI.

All of the SMILES full-time staff members attended the conference and learned/ shared many innovative ideas at the workshops offered. We attended cultural competency in mentoring, the role of business, fundraising strategies and many more! Though the workshops were very informative, the lunchtime keynote speaker, Charlie Appelstein, shared messages that will stay with all of our staff for years to come.

Charlie Appelstein's humor, compassion, creativity and understanding of youth has helped thousands of youth, parents, mentors, teachers. Described as "the best youth care trainer in America" by Robert Lieberman, former president of the American Association of Children's Residential Centers, Charlie has devoted his entire adult career to helping at-risk kids and those who care for them. The hopeful message which Charlie brought with him that day was that if a child has at least one person (that's you mentor!) who thinks they are TERRIFIC, their odds of overcoming obstacles in their life skyrockets! Charlie is also the best selling author of "No Such Thing as a Bad Kid" (which is available at our office for loan).

Charlie's Strength-Based Beliefs & Terminology

Pejorative Label //// Positive, Hope-Based Reframe
Obnoxious //// Good at pushing people away
Rude, arrogant //// Good at affecting people
Resistant //// Cautious
Lazy, un-invested //// Good at preventing further hurts, failures
Manipulative //// Good at getting needs met
Just looking for attention//// Good at caring about and loving yourself
Close-mouthed //// Loyal to family or friends
Different, odd //// Under-appreciated
Stubborn & defiant //// Good at standing up for yourself
Tantrum, fit, outburst //// Big message
Learning disability //// Roadblocks

SMILES Programs are going full steam ahead

2009-10-09T14:38:00.009-04:00

Programs are off to a great start! From our lovely, little 1st graders to our high schoolers - all are bonding and sharing their interests and lives with caring adults. We have mentors and mentees reuniting and forming new bonds all over the SouthCoast!

Though we have hundreds of committed volunteers, we are still in search for more magnificent mentors!

Please spread the word, so we can make more meaningful matches.

If you know of any groups that would be interested in hearing about SMILES or any individuals who you think would make a great mentor, please contact our new Americorps Ambassador of Mentoring, Elizett Pires at epires@smilesmentoring.org or call 508-999-9300.

SMILES @ Keith - Citizen Schools

Brand new 1st graders and their mentors at Carlos Pacheco

SMILES Facilitators 2009-10!

2009-09-21T10:49:00.004-04:00

Here is where "the rubber meets the road". Our hardworking SMILES facilitators at their first meeting of the school year. These folks will be with our SMILES mentors every step of the way to guide you through your mentoring experience this upcoming year.

SMILES Facilitators:

Bubbly Barbara

Cheerful Colleen

Caring Cristin

Joyful Jared

Kind Kai

Knowledgeable Katelyn

Keen Katje

Kreative Kristen

Merry Mary

Sunny Sandra

Mentor Tony and Mentee Dominic

2009-09-02T10:16:00.003-04:00

Tony and Dominic voicing their thoughts on mentoring and their relationship

SMILES in the Sky

2009-09-01T12:16:00.006-04:00

Join us on Thursday, October 22nd from 6:00 - 9:00 pm for SMILES in the Sky, a night of fun with friends at the Sky Lounge to kickoff Miles for SMILES 2010. Learn more and purchase tickets now by clicking HERE. All proceeds benefit Miles for SMILES.

SMILES Help Kids Read Event!

2009-08-06T14:14:00.009-04:00

Fall River Herald News and New Bedford Standard Times article states:

"SMILES Mentoring is moving forward with an ambitious plan to recruit hundreds of new volunteers to mentor students in dozens of new programs being requested by school officials in New Bedford and Fall River. As part of SMILES’ Help Kids Read campaign, two events are scheduled next month for SouthCoast residents who are interested in becoming a mentor in a literacy-based program in either community.There will be an informational session at the Fall River Free Public Library on Tuesday, Aug. 4. A second informational session is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 5, at the Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech High School auditorium. Both sessions will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. “We are getting the message loud and clear from the principals of schools in both cities that they welcome caring adults who want to help kids read, and become mentors and role models,” said SMILES Executive Director Jim Mathes. “If you want to do something that will make a positive difference in a child’s life and that will improve the community where you live, then I urge you to become a SMILES mentor.”"

Through our outreach via print, radio, social media outlets we were able to draw members of both communities to the events. They were a great success, but as always we are still looking for more volunteers to join the ranks and HELP KIDS READ!

SMILES staff speaking to potential mentors at the HELP KIDS READ event.

SMILES Mentoring Night at the BAY SOX!!!

2009-07-30T10:54:00.006-04:00

SMILES Mentors, mentees, family and friends had a great time enjoying our great national pastime down at Paul Walsh field. The rain held off and we all enjoyed a beautiful night watching the BAY SOX win an 8-1 victory over the Lowell All-Americans and qualify for post season play.

The mentees in attendance flooded the players at the end of their game to congratulate them on their win and grab their autographs! The players were more than happy to please their now loyal fans!

Below are some moments from the game shot by our lovely in house photographer, Nicole Almeida:

Jim Mathes, SMILES Executive Director, throwing out the first pitch!
Nicole and Danessa
New Bedford BAY SOX Players during the National Anthem

SMILES Barnes and Noble Bookfair a success!

2009-07-13T11:41:00.012-04:00

During the summer months SMILES enjoys getting out into the community. It offers us an opportunity to spread our message and let people know that volunteering for just an hour a week with the child not their own can make a big impact.

On June 26th, we had a great day at Barnes and Noble during our summer bookfair. We raised funds, community members donated books for our SMILES library and we had a great time interacting with the folks shopping for their summer reading books.

Former Red Sox pitcher Brian Rose stopped by during the afternoon to sign autographs and talk about America’s favorite pastime. Rose is currently the pitching coach for the New Bedford Bay Sox.

In the evening, three local authors were at the Book Fair, including D.G. Stern and his canine companion, Upton Charles, Dog Detective and star of the newly released Disappearing Diamonds and Something Fishy. Upton, a Bichon Frise, was in attendance and gave out his "pawtograph.”

Erin McHugh, author of The Little Road Trip Handbook, regaled all with advice about planning and taking to the wide open roads with everything from how to choose your traveling companions to bizarre laws still on the books in many a state.

Barbara E. Moss of Westport, author of The Adventures of Sir Goblin, the Feline Knight, will also be on hand to talk to you about how a certain tomcat came to be knighted, solve crimes and change the destiny of a medieval village.

It was a great day for all!! If you know of any other community events which SMILES Mentoring could attend to spread the word about mentoring please contact Nicole Almeida at nalmeida@smilesmentoring.org or call 508-999-9300.

SMILES Parent/Teacher Open House

2009-07-08T09:52:00.004-04:00

Hello all!

We have many talented mentors who volunteer for SMILES Mentoring. One of those mentors is David Weed! He goes above and beyond for the students and our program! He is constantly taking wonderful pictures of our matches and displays them on his website "Partners for a Healthier Community".

Check out his write up about the Parent/Teacher SMILES Open House that occurred this past Spring:

Click on the link below:

Fonseca Elementary School's SMILES Parent/Teacher Open House

Positive Attention

2009-07-07T10:06:00.005-04:00

We as mentors, parents, teachers, volunteers always strive to give our students positive attention. Countless times we've heard how negative attention just sprouts negative actions and behaviors. Below is an opinion article written by our very own Katje Fuson which gives our region the dose of positivity it deserves.
_______________________________

LETTER: Volunteers benefit society, themselves, 07-05-09

The Herald News
Posted Jul 05, 2009 @ 12:00 AM

In my role as director of Fall River Operations for SMILES Mentoring, I am fortunate enough to interact with people who have committed to making a direct impact on this city on a daily basis. From the mentors and staff involved with SMILES and Big Friends Little Friends, to members of Peaceful Coalition and the organizations involved with the Fall River Shannon Community Safety Initiative, each entity is dedicated to making positive changes in Fall River. It is truly inspiring to work with such concerned individuals.I am writing today to express my positive opinion of the people and organizations that provide direct service to Fall River’s youth. The teachers, principals, school adjustment counselors and staff who are in the city’s schools five days a week throughout the school year working directly with this city’s youth deserve our praise. I understand that every situation is not ideal in regard to the school system, but I would like to take the time to recognize the good that comes out of Fall River schools. Imagine trying to teach a classroom of 30 kids! That’s a room filled with 30 diverse personalities, 30 singular futures, 30 different home-life circumstances and 30 varied learning styles. I applaud our educators for their tremendous efforts to lead our youth into a bright future. At SMILES, we are grateful to the schools that have opened their doors to our mentors and have allowed mentoring relationships to flourish under their roofs. We are grateful to our mentors who take time out of their week to directly impact Fall River’s youth. SMILES mentors are adults who understand that every child is unique and that every child needs positive adults to talk to and learn from. Our mentors express a sincere interest in their mentee’s lives and futures. We are grateful to SMILES mentees for being open to letting a caring adult into their life and for bringing the joy of youthfulness into our mentors’ lives. Lastly, but certainly not least, we are grateful to the parents and guardians of our mentees for allowing and encouraging their children to form strong connections with their mentors.As a SMILES mentor, I can say that the one hour a week that I spend with my mentee is full of laughs and deep discussions and is always meaningful to me. I am thankful that the school introduced me to my mentee and has been instrumental in helping our relationship to form. I strongly encourage everyone in the SouthCoast to step toward solving some of our region’s problems. Whether you choose to work on the chronic dropout rate that is affecting Fall River and New Bedford, or you choose to work toward eliminating gang violence in our cities, you can effect social change through volunteerism.Please visit www.volunteersolutions.org or www.myfallriver.org to find a local organization that will lead you in the right direction. For more information on SMILES mentoring program, call Nicole Almeida at 508-999-9300 or visit http://www.smilesmentoring.org/.

Submitted by: Katje Fuson,Fall River

This is why we do what we do!

2009-06-02T14:14:00.011-04:00

Check out this video of a very talented

Kuss Middle School match

who have been together for 3 years.

Tissue anyone?

Best of Both Worlds

2009-05-22T14:43:00.014-04:00

"SMILES program adds up for pair" - Fall River Herald News article 9/28/08

"SMILES mentor Laurette Shabshelowitz has already raised three college-aged children and she hopes that experience will guide her in her mentoring relationship with 12-year-old Steve M. Correia, a student at the Talbot Middle School. Laurette and Steve have established such a good mentoring relationship this past year, that she is pursuing continuing as his mentor under the “Big Brother, Big Sister” program. “I really like him a lot,” Shabshelowitz said of Steven. “He’s always smiling. He has a good attitude about things. He likes to hang out with his friends like a typical boy. He, like many other middle school students, just needs to put a little more focus on schoolwork.” Shabshelowitz said she has already seen an impact since mentoring him during this past school year. His grades are up in math, but that’s partly because both of them consider math their favorite subject. They also both share a love of animals. She elaborates, “I encourage him to focus on his schoolwork and grades. I tell him how important school is, that education is something he will need for his whole life. I encourage him to stay in school and go to college. Kids his age don’t usually have that on their radar screen.”"
___________

This article was written almost a year ago and Steven and she signed up for the Big Brother, Big Sister (BBBS) program shortly after this article was published. Steven and Lauretter are "Big" and "little" in addition to being SMILES mentor and mentee. Through the BBBS program Laurette has met Steven's father and they explore their love of animals regularly on the weekends. Since Laurette and Steven get to see each other during the school day through SMILES, Laurette gets a handle on what's going on at school with Steven, as well. It's a win-win-win for all involved!

If you have any questions about SMILES Mentoring partnership with Big Brother, Big Sister in New Bedford or Big Friends, Little Friends in Fall River. Please email Marie-Frances at mrivera@smilesmentoring.org.

W-Rapping it up!

2009-05-20T14:55:00.008-04:00

No--facilitator Tracy Carriero did not break into a rap song for our mentors these past 2 days. What she did do was set us straight on how to "wrap up" our relationships with our mentees. Whether we are moving onto another SMILES program in the fall, reconnecting with our same mentee in the fall or venturing into a community based mentoring program. We as mentors must always model positive closure.

On the left is Tracy with her infamous quotes used to start and end all of the Mentor Fellowships she has facilitated over the past 3 years.

At this "wrap up" session we were allowed time to reflect on our mentoring relationships. Mentors were given a list of questions to answer (thought they would be helpful to others out there who did not get a chance to attend the session):

1. What was the best part of mentoring for you this year?

2. What is the greatest challenge you faced, and how did you handle it?

3. What did you learn about yourself during this process?

4. What are your mentee's 3 biggest strengths?

5. What wish do you have for your mentee?

6. What would you like to tell your mentee as you wrap up this year's SMILES program? (This could be words of wisdom, or thoughts about your relationship, or something else!)

7. How do you want to proceed with this mentor/mentee relationship?

After we answered these questions we had time to share our answers with our neighbors and ask for advice, if necessary. Feel free to chime in below in the comment boxes and give your responses to any/all of these questions or just contemplate them on your own.

Fun Afternoon at the Zeiterion!

2009-05-19T15:04:00.007-04:00

Hi all,

SMILES went on yet another wonderful field trip this past Sunday. Thanks to the SCBA (SouthCoast Business Alliance), the Zeiterion Theatre and Scotty's Limo we were able to bring 9 of our matches to the "Z" in style! Scotty's Limosine provided 2 stretch limos for our matches to chat and relax in before and after going to see "Jungle Jack Hanna". Gomes and Carlos Pacheco mentees and mentors loved the extra pampering! We also took a little detour to Fort Phoenix and did a quick photo op before the show.

Mentors attended on the trip, let me know if you'd like us to send you additional photos.

Gomes and Carlos Pacheco Matches - Big Group Shot at Fort Phoenix

Young ladies from Carlos Pacheco

Outside of the limo in front of Carlos Pacheco--that's what I call stylin'!

Mentoring Night at the Fenway 2009!

2009-05-08T14:49:00.005-04:00

Hi all!

SMILES matches had a great time last night watching the Boston Red Sox drive home a 13-3 victory against the Cleveland Indians! Mentors and mentees were all decked out in our Red Sox gear and had a great time bonding with one another. One of our SMILES matches even won a very, special opportunity to yell PLAY BALL to get the game started.

Check out the press we received: CLICK HERE to read the Standard-Times Article

In this instance the pictures are worth more than 1,000 words....

Tyler and Tracy yelling PLAY BALL on the Fenway green!

SMILES matches having fun!

Two Mentors!! Lucky kid!

Awesome pic! Fun times bonding with our mentors and mentees!!

If you came to the game and would like your picture emailed to you, just let us know.

3rd SMILES Annual Meeting

2009-05-04T14:40:00.009-04:00

SMILES Mentors, Staff, Board of Directors and volunteers had a wonderful evening at Rachel's Lakeside this past Wednesday, April 29th. We rejoiced in how far we have all come with nearly 700 mentors currently active in our program. This was tempered with the task ahead--which is to ensure that every child in the Southcoast who needs a mentor recieves one. Jim Mathes, SMILES Executive Director, spoke and shared with the nearly 100 people in attendance that our goal is to have 3,000 mentors spending an hour a week with a student in our community and to sustain that over a lengthy period of time.

We also awarded the Craig Lindell Community Service Award to Music Director Dr. David MacKenzie of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra who among others things has brought wonderful classical music to our children's classrooms every morning through the "Music in the Mornings" program in the New Bedford Public Schools. This program reaches more than 12,000 elementary school students, in 34 schools every day.

It was a great night of celebrating accomplishments and empowering everyone to step forward to help make SMILES goal of 3,000 mentors a reality!

SMILES staff and school liasion at the Annual Meeting

Dr. David MacKenzie - Craig Lindell Community Service 2009 Award Receipent

Good Friday Thoughts...

2009-04-10T12:12:00.004-04:00

Post from Marie-Frances Rivera, SMILES Program Manager:

On this Good Friday many students in New Bedford and Fall River are excited to have this wonderful, sunny day to relax and have fun! But I know one little girl who wishes she was in school today. She'll remain unnamed for privacy reasons, but she just happens to be my very, special mentee.

I meet with my mentee every Friday morning at her elementary school and our session has been interrupted for 2 weeks now. Once by the MCAS testing and this day by Good Friday. I was chatting with her on the phone yesterday** (read note below) and was saying how she must be soooo excited not to have school tomorrow!! But she replied with a simple "No." When I asked her why she said because she was going to be missing SMILES again. It was really touching to hear her say that. I'm sure other mentors out there, reading this can relate to those simple moments when your mentee expresses to you how much they care for you. As program manager I've had mentors share simliar moments with me, but it's even more special when students come up to me and tell me "I look forward to coming to school on Mondays, because of SMILES -- if I have any problems I know I'll be able to talk to my mentor about them."

If anyone out there is missing their mentee today or would like to share any special, unexpected moments you've had with your mentees! Please share below.
_______________

**In addition to participating in SMILES with my mentee I also am able to spend time in the community with her through the partnership SMILES has developed with Big Brother, Big Sister. This allows me to talk on the phone with her and take her to really cool places. Like this-->

(North Conway, NH)

SMILES at the Statehouse

2009-04-03T14:52:00.002-04:00

Here are some shots from a trip we took about 1 1/2 months ago to the Massachusetts Statehouse. It was a day that Mass Mentoring coordinated "Youth Mentoring Day" at the Statehouse. We took a BIG yellow school bus filled with mentors and mentees. They had a chance to bond with their mentors, meet with some local legislators, see youth performances, participate in a raffle and tour the magnificent Statehouse! We also had a match go on air on WBSM and share their experiences of the day and mentoring in general. Haven't figured out a way to post that clip up yet, but as soon as I do I'll have it up!!

Clip from WBSM on this day:

Pictures from Miles for SMILES

2009-03-25T13:11:00.008-04:00

Wanted to post some pictures up from our VERY successful 1st Annual Miles for SMILES event!!

Ashley Bendiksen, Miss New Bedford sings the National Anthem as Jim Mathes and Nick Christ look on.

And the walking, running, biking, skating begins with our two SMILES mentor leading the pack!!!

SMILES match and mom stopping to drink some water

And finally, lunch is served by the crew from Dominos Pizza. Yum!

Mayor Lang's State of the City Address

2009-03-19T16:39:00.001-04:00

Hi all,

Hope you're all staying dry on this cold, wet day. The SMILES team braved the elements today to attend Mayor Lang's Annual State of the City address. It's great to hear all the positive things happening in New Bedford, that you don't realize are going on when we're all so focus on our little pieces of the puzzles. We were excited that SMILES was recognized during the Mayor's speech as growing by leaps and bounds!!!

Stay dry!!!!

Miles for SMILES!

2009-03-16T15:20:00.002-04:00

Miles for SMILES was amazing!!!

Here is a link to a page a wonderful mentor of ours, David Weed, put together. There are lots of pictures of the day's festivities.

http://www.gfrpartners.com/09MilesForSmiles.html

Miles for SMILES only 2 days away!!!

2009-03-13T13:03:00.002-04:00

The weather on Sunday is supposed to be beautiful for our Miles for SMILES event!!! Don't believe us check it out...HERE :) I took a picture of the nice silicon bracelets we'll be handing out to our mentors and mentees at the event. They're awesome! We're all so excited about the event and can't wait to see the day unfold. Hope you'll all be able to make it out on Sunday to join us.

Miles for SMILES

2009-03-09T16:04:00.003-04:00

SMILES 1st Annual Miles for SMILES event is coming up this weekend! We are all very excited to see this event unfold. Folks here in the SMILESoffice, Citizens Union Saving Bank employees, and MFS committee members have been putting lots of hardwork to put this great event together. Forecast says it's supposed to be nice and sunny!! Come out and spend the morning with us this Sunday.

Below is the info...

Miles for SMILES is a 3.6 mile walk/ run/bike/skate-a-thon to raise money to support the mission of SMILES! The event will be held at UMASS Dartmouth this Sunday, March 15th -- Registration starts at 9AM.

You can find our brochure, which has sponsorship and registration information, by clicking on the link below: MFS Brochure/Forms

Don't forget to tell your family and freinds about the event. Create a team of three or more and increase the fun!!

SMILES Exec Director featured on 90.9 wbru

2009-03-02T21:52:00.001-05:00

Here is a link to a clip run on Boston's NPR station 90.9 wbru focusing on New Bedford's Waterfront economy. The clip features our Executive Director, Jim Mathes and his SMILES mentee, Jeff and Mayor Scott Lang. It's a great interview, check it out!!

CLICK HERE for interview

SMILES Mentor Fellowship

2009-03-02T16:45:00.000-05:00

In our continued efforts to provide a well-rounded support system for all of our current mentors SMILES is holding Mentor Fellowship sessions in the month of March. Read below for details.

Topic: "Addressing Challenges with Mentee Behavior"

Date: Wednesday, March 25th
Time: 5:30 - 7:00PM
Location: UMASS Dartmouth, Room 117, Group 1

OR

Date: Thursday, March 26th
Time: 12:00 - 1:30PM
Location: UMASS Dartmouth, Library Browsing Area

R.S.V.P to mrivera@smilesmentoring.org or 508-999-9300

SMILES First Post

2009-03-02T16:22:00.002-05:00

Hello all!

SMILES (SouthCoast Mentoring Initiative for Learning Education and Service) is a school based mentoring program whose mission is to help children realize their personal and educational potential through a large scale one-to-one mentoring effort.

SMILES Mentoring is excited to be starting this blog and we hope that all of you will read along, post comments and forward this blog to all who would be interested in joining us! We'll be keeping you updated on SMILES events, field trips, program openings and lots more interesting happenings. For current mentors, we're hoping this will supplement and enhance your mentoring experience. For others interested in the goings on we're hoping to give you a glimpse on how great our SMILES volunteers and students are in hopes that you'll want to join us in the near future!

Stay tuned!

~Marie-Frances Rivera
SMILES Mentoring Program

Note: Opinions expressed here and in any corresponding comments are the views and opinions of the original authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of SMILES Mentoring. Review our entire Comment Policy, Blogger Guidelines, Disclaimer and Terms of Use for more information.