Westside Stories

Wahkiakum Youth Mentoring Program

This week, as part of my ongoing series on the Department of Health and Human Services, I am highlighting the Youth Mentoring Program. The program's mission is to strengthen the connections that young people have with our local community by providing opportunities for adult support and community involvement, and its goal is to help develop healthy-minded, confident, and skilled young leaders.

I recently met with program coordinators Terrie Howell and Diana Zimmerman, who shared their enthusiasm for the program as it enters its third year. The two hope to enroll more youth from across the county, as there are currently no participants from the Westend.

“We strongly believe that every child should have a mentor,” said Howell. “This program is not just for underprivileged kids or children at risk; it is for all kids. Even a straight-A student can benefit from having a mentor. It will only make them stronger as they head off to college.”

The program is designed for youth in grades K-12 who are residents of Wahkiakum County, regardless of whether they are enrolled in school or being homeschooled. Participants meet with their mentors for a minimum of four hours each month. Mentorship activities can vary widely and may include outings like going for ice cream, going on a fishing trip, baking a pie, or taking a hike.

“We have so many success stories from the program,” said Howell. “There are children who initially joined the program and spent most of their time staring at their phones with little to no interaction. Now, they’re engaging in conversations, enjoying outdoor activities, interacting with others, and improving their grades. Parents often share how wonderful this transformation is. Those are the feel-good moments that make the program truly successful.”

Mentors come from diverse backgrounds and can range in age from young adults to seniors. To become a mentor, the process includes completing an application, passing a reference check and a national background check, attending four hours of training, and committing to volunteering four hours per month for one year. After completing the training, the matching process begins, which involves considering the likes and dislikes of both the mentors and the youth to ensure a suitable pairing. At times, a waiting list may be in place depending on the number of mentors and youth participating. The next training class will be held in early May.

Monthly group activities are also available for all mentors and mentees in the program. These activities have included playing frisbee golf, attending a kite festival, participating in arts and crafts, playing games, and learning how to bake. While many activities are hosted at the Hope Center (320 S. 3rd St.) in Cathlamet, community members often organize events at other locations. For those who may not be able to commit to being a mentor but still want to give back, hosting an event to teach a skill or share their knowledge is a great way to contribute.

“When youth receive a different adult perspective than what they get from their parents, it helps strengthen their self-worth and leadership skills,” said Howell. “They learn to communicate with various types of people in diverse environments. In fact, 98 percent of kids involved in mentorship programs graduate from high school and go on to college. Many of them become leaders in their communities and develop into strong, well-rounded adults.”

The mentor program has demonstrated its success by receiving a Silver Award of Quality from Mentor Washington. Additionally, program representatives had the opportunity to present at a recent conference focused on rural mentoring. They have also received feedback from former participants who, after transitioning to college, continue to maintain contact with their mentors.

After learning more about the program, I felt inspired to become a mentor myself. I am eager to step outside of my comfort zone and make a positive impact on a child's life. From my past experiences, I know that I will learn just as much, if not more, from them as they will learn from me. To learn more about the program or to obtain an application, email mentoring@co.wahkiakum.wa.us or call (360) 795-8630.

Westside Happenings

April

4 – Adults Create, Naselle Timberland

Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

9 – GR Flood Control District meeting,

GR Fire Hall, 5:30 p.m.

15 – NGRV District School Board Meeting,

school library, 6:30 p.m.

19 – Easter Egg Hunt, 5th Grade & younger,

Naselle School, 10 a.m.

26 – Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt, all ages,

Okies Park, 9 p.m.

26 – Cemetery Forum at Naselle Community

Center, 9-11 a.m.

26 – Bingo at Naselle Community Center –

Canceled

May

2 – Adults Create, Naselle Timberland

Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

4 – Chicken Dinner at Rosburg Hall, noon

17 – American Legion Breakfast at

Rosburg Hall, 8-11 a.m.

To include an event on the calendar or to give feedback, email me at writerlisayeager@outlook.com. You can also follow me on Facebook @ Writer Lisa Yeager.