Letters and Comments for March 16, 2010

Corey

Mentoring helps youths

To the Editor:

The Oregon Community Foundation is investing $1 million in Eastern Oregon to improve youth education through mentoring and enrichment programs. This investment is the result of an intensive process led by a 16-member committee comprised of volunteers from every county in Eastern Oregon.

The committee, of which I am one of the Pendleton members, spent several months researching issues and challenges within the region. We decided to use our OCF funds to support mentoring and enrichment programs in order to improve student achievement and reduce risky behaviors. The evidence speaks to the success of this approach: Mentoring programs have been found to create positive outcomes including improved self-esteem, social skills and career development. Young people who participate in strong after-school and weekend programs are more likely to improve their school attendance and academic performance.

Our youth mentoring initiative is part of a three-year statewide OCF initiative aimed at making lasting improvements through locally-led efforts to identify solutions to a local need. This grassroots approach represents a rare opportunity for us to get to know our region a little better and — while noting our differences — ultimately agree to work together for the common good.

As we proceed, we are hoping to form creative partnerships, leveraging the limited resources our region has. With strong community backing, these outcomes will help ensure the success of our young people and the economic viability of our region. We encourage everyone to join us in this effort.

Steve Corey

Chair, Oregon Community Foundation Board

Pendleton