MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - A trusted counselor or guide - that's the definition of the word "mentor." There are thousands of children in the Memphis area who need one. You can Team Up with the Memphis Grizzlies to help.
The Grizzlies Charitable Foundation is working to get 100 Mentors in 50 Days. It’s a way to make a difference in a child’s life as well as your own. “When I grow up, I want to be in the military and join the police force,” said Kenneth Warren, a 6th grader at Grizzlies Prep in downtown Memphis. Fellow 6th grader Jalen Keller plans to go to Harvard.
Learning is a top priority for both scholars. Their mentors make sure the young men know they can achieve anything.
“Our goal has always been to give kids access to caring adult mentors," said Jenny Koltnow, Executive Director of the Grizzlies Charitable Foundation. "When mentors are involved, when mentors can be there for encouragement, guidance, inspiration, and just to be a positive example, so many other things can fall into place for young people.”
Parents like Debbie Redmon agree. Redmon volunteers her time at Grizzlies Prep on a daily basis. “Just spend an hour or two with these kids, it means so much to them.”
As for Kenneth Warren, he has a message for adults who are thinking about becoming mentors, “If they just tell us about their life we can apply that when we’re grown and we can achieve more goals.”
Koltnow says time is of the essence. “Team up with the Grizzlies. Join us. Do it now. Don’t wait any longer because kids need you right now.”
Most mentors spend four to six hours a month volunteering their time. The 100 Mentors in 50 Days program ends Thursday, March 14th, but the Grizzlies Charitable Foundation needs mentors 365 days a year. You can “Team Up” by going to the Grizzlies Charitable Foundation’s website at
www.teamupmemphis.org.
