Mentors listen; youth learn
The Peace Arch News
Tracey Holmes Staff Reporter
Justin Glasser is a busy young man. He manages a lube and oil outlet in Burnaby, and is putting in heavy hours at University of B.C. to get a real estate license.
The Surrey resident knows the value of his time. Since November, he's learned what he does with it is even more precious than he thought.
That's when he started volunteering with KidStart, a program of Pacific Legal Education Association that matches adult mentors with children and youth heading down the wrong path.
Initially, Glasser signed on to bolster his efforts to become a Mountie. He stuck with the three-hour-a week commitment when he realized the impact such a simple gift could have.
"You can actually see somebody go from one state to really improve," he said. "It's three hours of high-quality time."
The gift of time is one of the most significant that can be given to a child, PLEA's Jennifer Lawrence said. "It has a huge benefit for the kids—educationally, emotionally, their behaviour will improve. Anything over six months can make a difference."
KidStart mentors are encouraged to show their match the positive side of their community. How they do that is flexible, from shooting hoops to shooting the breeze.
Glasser is matched with a White Rock teen, and said he simply gives the youth opportunity to speak.
"If I could sum up my job, I just listen," he said. He's 'blown away' by the potential he's seen in the teen, and believes there are many others like him who have a lot to offer their community, if someone will just step up and be there for them.
"Most people, given the opportunity for a second chance, they're going to take it," he said.
PLEA takes referrals for KidStart mentors for children younger than 12 from parents, teacher, police, social worker, probation officers and other agencies. The children have generally been involved in some degree of criminal activity, or are at risk of becoming involved. Most teen referrals come from probation officers.
Lawrence said the number of children and youth needing mentors far outweighs the number of adults available through KidStart. Currently, there's an 18-month waiting list.
Volunteers are matched with children and teens of the same gender and, when possible, from a similar cultural background. They are screened, and receive ongoing training and supervision. A minimum one-year commitment is requested.
For information, call 604-708-2609.
