CrossNet Seeks Volunteers For Program
During the first year that Bob Wenger of Terre Hill mentored a young man we will call Chris, he was not sure the volunteer effort he was making through CrossNet Ministries' Community Mentoring Program would pay off. Chris, who was 12 at the time, was not exactly excited about having a mentor. "I am glad I hung in there when he was trying to walk away," said Wenger, who has now been mentoring Chris for more than four years.
Wenger and Chris were matched up by CrossNet mentoring and education director Charis Pankratz, who talks to each party, prays, and then brings the mentor and mentee together for an initial introduction. "We talk about the program and what is expected," said Pankratz. Pankratz schedules monthly activities, such as scavenger hunts, for mentors and mentees. In the case of a minor, a parent or guardian is present at the meeting. Chris' mother was very interested in her son having a mentor to help keep him on track.
"The mentor makes it happen," said Wenger, who endeavors to meet up with Chris twice a month as prescribed by the program. "We have gone bowling, hiking, fishing, and kayaking," said Wenger, who noted that the two go out to eat or for coffee at a bookshop. "I found out that he just enjoys having a male figure to talk with," said Wenger, who struggled at first to get Chris to converse. "I would ask him to tell me more about school and how he was doing," said Wenger, who provides positive reinforcement when Chris experiences success in school. Wenger has a grown son of his own, and he got involved in the program to help another young man after his son completed his schooling.
At first the difference between Wenger's and Chris' age was an issue, but now Wenger said they often discuss the changes that have occurred since Wenger was young. "(Chris) brought up the latest 'Star Wars' movie," recalled Wenger, who said that Chris was amazed to learn that Wenger had seen the very first movie in the series on a big screen in a theater. He was also impressed that Wenger had played pinball on a machine with flippers, and a trip to an arcade featuring pinball machines is planned. Wenger shared that Chris has told him how much he enjoys their getting together to talk and that he considers Wenger a family member like a grandfather.
Pankratz noted that as with all CrossNet programs, the focus is on the positive change that can come from developing a mentoring relationship. "In our mentoring program, we need volunteers who are patient, flexible, open to learning, willing to get out of their comfort zone and connect with someone and support them," she said. "When relationships are given a chance to grow, significant impact can be made in our community."
The program has several young men of middle and high school age on a waiting list, so there is a special need for male mentors. Mentors are required to complete applications and clearances and take part in a free training session. The next session will be held on Tuesday, May 24, at 6 p.m. Readers who are interested in becoming a mentor may contact Pankratz by emailing charis@elancocross.org or calling 717-355-2454.
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