Lunch Buddies
I am so excited for the new program that RUSC Kinship Mentoring is starting in the area Elementary schools. The concept really brings RUSC Kinship back to the beginning. RUSC was started to help the youth in the community do better: emotionally, socially, educationally, etc. The community has really come together to support those that needed another adult in their life. But how can we reach more children? How can we have a bigger impact in the youth of our community? How can we we, as a community, show the kids that they are important. People care about them.
Studies have shown over and over that when kids have another caring adult in their life they are more successful. The other adult can look like family members, teachers, students, coaches, club leaders, and mentors. Likewise, reading to children has lifelong benefits as well. As another benefit, employers who give time to their employees and encourage them to volunteer have higher morale in the workplace. Sounds like good things all around!
Lunch Buddies was the answer! A small commitment once a month can reap large rewards for both the mentor and child. During recess the students will pick out a book for their mentor to read to them and then they will be able to have lunch with them in the cafeteria. If you would like to be a lunch buddy, ask me how!
