After-School Program Seeks Volunteers
Each Tuesday at 3:05 p.m. from September to May, about 10 adult mentors arrive at Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services (CVCCS). At 3:30 p.m., executive director Jonathan Barrett and other CVCCS staff members escort students from Smoketown Elementary School to the CVCCS offices at 2420 Gehman Lane, Lancaster, to take part in Rooted, an after-school program serving students in fourth through sixth grades.
From 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., the students enjoy a hefty snack, such as pizza or chicken nuggets, while having one-on-one time and a short Bible study with their mentors, followed by games that build math skills and reading time. At 5 p.m., students are picked up by family members or transportation is provided to their homes.
According to Dottie Slothower, director for client services with CVCCS, students are recommended for Rooted by teachers. Guidance counselors then offer the program to parents who make the final decision about whether a child will participate. Volunteer mentors are paired with students. Generally, men are paired with boys and women with girls, but several boys currently have female mentors. "We would like more men to (volunteer to) be mentors," said Barrett. Family dinners are held a few times a year to give parents a chance to get to know the mentors and CVCCS staff members.
"Originally, (Rooted) was offered as an after-school tutoring (program)," said Slothower. "But guidance counselors felt what the kids really needed was the relationship (with mentors)." Slothower noted that she is a firm believer that any child can benefit from more love and one-on-one attention. "A mentoring program can definitely make a difference in a child's life," she pointed out, adding that the academic exercises the program currently includes are designed to build thinking skills.
Eventually, Barrett would like to see the program offered to more students. "It's a dream to offer the program at the other (Conestoga Valley School District) elementary schools," said Barrett. "But we need more volunteers to make that happen."
CVCCS provides a food pantry, a clothing bank, financial coaching, and other services to the community. More information about the organization and its programs may be found at https://cvccs.org. Individuals who have specific questions may call 717-208-3711.
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