Wednesday, May 22, 2002
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Wednesday, May 22, 2002 |
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Fayette children getting help from 'Friends'
The Fayette County School's Friends Mentoring Program has been around since 1992 and has grown tremendously over the years. Friends, a United Way grantee program, matches community volunteer mentors with students identified by teachers and counselors as youth who would benefit immensely from an extra adult role model in their life on a weekly basis. And, as Dr. Lisa Allen, a Fayette chiropractor and mentor, will tell you, the relationship enriches her as much as her mentee Kayli Conner. In 1998 Kayli was a typical seven-year-old second-grader, but she was very strong-willed and argumentative, challenging her teachers and having difficulty getting along with classmates. The school counselor observed this and enrolled Kayli in the county's Friends Mentoring Program. That was the beginning of what has developed into a wonderful and mutually beneficial friendship between Kayli and Dr. Allen. During their sessions, the two discuss family issues, class work, friends, boys, future goals and whatever else comes to mind as they play games or romp on the playground or hang out in the library. In a non-authoritative manner, Dr. Allen acts as a sounding board for Kayli and offers advice when asked or is deemed appropriate. "Kayli's development is best exemplified when she realizes her behavior with a teacher or classmate was inappropriate and proceeds to explain such to me as well as how she probably should have acted or responded," said Dr. Allen. As a result of her four-year relationship with Dr. Allen, Kayli's grades have improved and she exhibits better behavior with teachers and classmates. According to program coordinator Donna Worcester, more than 300 students like Kayli are currently matched with trained mentors who meet with them at their schools for approximately one hour each week during the school year. Games, toys and other activities are provided to help bring mentor and student together. But those are the lucky ones; Worcester estimates that there are more than 200 students currently on the waiting list for mentors. But that's where the story takes on additional dimensions. Witnessing the example shown by Dr. Allen, more than half of the staff at Fayette Chiropractic Center has become mentors too. Several have become strong community advocates for the program, speaking to civic clubs about mentoring. Dr. Allen's practice has even purchased advertising to help solicit caring volunteers into the program. But it still comes down to her personal relationship. "It is very rewarding to know that I was an influence in Kayli's growth and maturity," said Dr. Allen. "She is a wonderful little girl who will go on to bigger and better things in life. I am proud of her and it is an honor to be her friend." "Dr. Allen is my best friend," said Kayli, now an energetic, talkative fifth-grader. "I can tell her anything. I hope Dr. Allen is around forever."
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