Emma Couse, 10, lives with her dad, step-mom, two sisters, grandparents and several other family members. For the last two years, she's hung out one-on-one with her mentor Lisa Andalora.
"Really exciting because you can also have like fun, also you can like talk about your feelings. So, I feel like proud to have Lisa in my life," said Couse.
What You Need To Know
- January is National Mentoring Month
- Several mentoring programs across the state offer academic and community based opportunities
- Programs help both the mentee and mentor build personal and community connections
Andalora, a mother of three, is an empty nester.
"My kids are grown and when I was raising them, we were so busy with their activities, that I didn't have time to just play and just have fun," said Andalora.
It's just one of the reasons she decided to be a mentor and give back to her community.
"So rewarding. There's so many kids out there who need mentors. They need people who care about them that aren't family members," said Andalora.
Andalora and Couse belong to Chautauqua Striders, one of the many mentoring programs across the state that offer school and community-based services, providing positive role models to help students succeed.
"They want someone to help guide them, support them, encourage them. The mentors are helping kind of open up windows for them, show them different opportunities and things they don't know on their own," said Erika Muecke, director of mentoring and advocacy at Chautauqua Striders.
Opportunities that help bridge the age gap and build a network of encouragement and support.
"It builds relationships in the community. Lisa and Emma just hit it off right from the start, they're like two peas in a pod," said Muecke.
The two spend a lot of time out in the community, enjoying a snack at their favorite Mexican restaurant. They also go to church together and enjoy the outdoors.
"And I just love sharing experiences with her. I'm not her aunt and I'm not her grandma, but I'm just kind of like that fun person to hang out with once in a while and we have a great time together," said Andalora.
Couse is equally as grateful for her time together.
"Be like yourself and stuff. You can like trust them. She's like nice, cares about me and has fun with me," she said.
Many communities have dozens of kids on waiting lists because there are not enough mentors to go around, officials say. So, if you or someone you know would like to get more information on being a mentor, visit https://chqstriders.org.