ProgressOhio

Cincinnati – Mayor Mark Mallory today issues a proclamation recognizing January as National Mentoring Month in the City of Cincinnati.  National Mentoring Month (NMM) highlights mentoring and the positive impact it can have on young people's lives.  Mayor Mallory continues to promote the need for mentors and the effort to recruit new mentors.  Mentors provide advice, guidance, and support to young people that allows them to reach their full potential.

"Mentoring is an incredibly rewarding experience that can have dramatic impact that on a young person's future," Mayor Mallory said.  "There are many young people in need of mentors and I am encouraging as many people as possible to take up the challenge."

According to the National Mentoring Partnership, only 17% of young Americans, who need or want mentoring, are in formal, high-quality mentoring relationships.  Statistics show that teens with mentors are 46% less likely to use drugs, 59% more likely to get better grades, and 73% more likely to set higher goals.

Mayor Mallory has been leading an effort to improve mentoring in the Greater Cincinnati region by coordinating all of the various mentoring programs to eliminate duplication and address gaps in service.

There are mentoring opportunities to match each mentors available level of commitment.  To become a mentor, call the United Way's 211 phone-line for information about local mentoring programs.