Johnston Mentor Program Has Something for Everyone

Each week Susan and Loren Van Essen spend an hour with their favorite eighth-grader.

One hour might not seem like much, but to students in the school-based mentoring program — (JUMP) — it's a game-changer.

The one-on-one program for students in fifth to 12th grades matches students with a volunteer community member, said Chris Wilson, program director.

Loren, 63, and Susan, 60, began mentoring their student when he was in fourth grade.

"We have an attachment to him," Loren said. "He's very competitive. The interaction is limited to school, you don't see him over the summer and you wonder what he's doing."

The Van Essens' participation in the program began after Susan retired from working as a speech pathologist with Heartland Area Education Agency.

"I wanted to stay connected to schools and wanted to do something fun, to be able to help out and volunteer and form a relationship," Susan said.

After hearing about the program, which was at the time called Teammates,

Susan knew she had found her place. It didn't take much convincing to get Loren on board.

"It was perfect for Loren and I," she said. "And I think our mentoree things it's special to have two people. We're kind of like a grandma and grandpa figure."

After a quick screening process and training, the Van Essens were matched based on their strengths, personality and the needs of students.

Because students join the program for different reasons, Wilson could not tell Patch the name of the Van Essens' mentoree.

Time spent at school between a mentor and student does not affect their school work, Wilson said.

"It's usually during a non-core time, when they are not a class like English or math," she said.

The program is strictly volunteer for both students and mentors.

"They come to us in a lot of different ways," Wilson said. "Some is self-referral, students request to be in or parents request or teachers and counselors. They contact the building counselor. Students have the opportunity to decide if they want to be involved. No one can make them.

"Mentoring is a privilege not a punishment."

Benefits to Students

The program not only allows the student to make a meaningful relationship, it can have a positive affect on their school and social behaviors.

For the 2010-11 school year:

• 60 percent of our students had fewer disciplinary referrals
• 57 percent of our students had fewer unexcused absences
• 55 percent improved core academic GPA

The program doesn't focus on academics, but on relationships.

"We have what's called a developmental mentoring program," Wilson said. "Versus other programs that maybe just academics or to further development. We really look at helping the child be successful on lots of different levels."

The Van Essens spend their mentor time playing chess, games and other activities their mentoree enjoys.

"It's not work," Loren said. "We have so much fun, there's never enough time to do it all."

A Positive Relationship

The Van Essens are unique to the JUMP program for several reasons.

They mentor as a team, and they've continued their mentor relationship for four years.

"The average mentor match in Johnston lasts for approximately 48 months," Wilson said.

The Van Essens have watched their mentor change over the years. After one summer, he grew so much the Van Essens were shocked.

"He started out shy and withdrawn and now he's confident," Susan said. "He really pumps you up."

While they're on pace to outlast the average mentor pairing, the Van Essens don't have plans to stop anytime soon.

"They say see you at graduation," Susan said. "I hope the relationship continues to graduation."

Volunteers Always Needed

The program is always looking for volunteers, Wilson said.

"We started with 13 students in 2004, now we have 68 students," she said. "We ask for a one year commitment from volunteers."

For those who might not have time to volunteer there are plenty of other opportunities to make a difference for JUMP. The program, which is funded through a collaboration with the Johnston Partnership, uses money raised at events to pay for volunteer training and supplemental items for the mentor program.

Those interested in taking part in the program can contact Chris Wilson at cwilson@johnston.k12.ia.us.

Students interested in taking part in the program should talk with their school counselor.

"It takes no special degree, title, or talent to become a volunteer for JUMP ... just a desire to make a lasting connection with a student," Susan Van Essen said.