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Broken Wings Can Be Mended

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Broken Wings Can Be Mended
Written by the past Wings Mentoring Program Coordinator, Alison Mackie

The anecdotes of the troubled youth in our community are not news to us anymore. We are not surprised to hear when they commit petty crimes against their neighbors, use mind-altering substances and then drive our streets, or give birth to unwanted babies at the age of thirteen. The piece of this that may be surprising, though, is growing percentage of youth engaging in risky behaviors that are female. Adolescent girls are assaulting their peers, selling drugs, and joining gangs at alarming rates. This was not always the case. A decade ago, school dropouts and juvenile court referrals were largely a male dominated societal tragedy. As a result, prevention and rehabilitation programs developed for at-risk youth are currently very male-oriented. The helping industry is not discriminatory towards or ignoring these female adolescents in need. It is just having trouble keeping up with this new trend in the at-risk population.

A study conducted by Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America showed that kids with mentors are 46 % less likely to begin using illegal drugs

During the January 03 State of the Union Address, President Bush made a direct appeal to citizens to make a difference in the lives of young people through one on one mentoring. The concept of mentoring is today's trendiest wave of volunteerism. Luckily, statistics show that besides being popular, mentoring is also effective in preventing at-risk behaviors. A study conducted by Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America showed that kids with mentors are 46 % less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 53% less likely to skip school and 33% less likely to hit someone. Mentoring involves pairing a supportive, successful adult with a child who has been identified as needing some extra guidance.

The pre-existing factors that contribute to youth engaging in at-risk behaviors are not a mystery anymore. A child advocacy research group called the Search Institute published a report that listed the forty most important developmental assets of youth. Developmental assets can be defined as factors which decrease the likelihood that young people will engage in risky behavior and increase the chances they will grow up to be healthy, caring and responsible adults. Examples of such assets are: having family support, having caring adult role models, being involved creative activities, and learning to be culturally competent.

The good news for the at-risk population in Wake County is that there is a mentoring program dedicated to serving only at-risk girls. The Wings (Women Involved in Nurturing Girls) Mentoring Program in Raleigh targets girls nine to fifteen who are in need of extra guidance. Program staff recruit qualified female adults from Wake County to match with one of the 53 girls they have on their waiting list. Social Services, school social workers, juvenile court, and parents can refer girls to the program.

The good news for the at-risk population in Wake County is that there is a mentoring program dedicated to serving only at-risk girls.

Stephanie (name changed for confidentiality purposes) met her mentor, Lisa through the Wings program nearly three years ago. Lisa is a veterinary technician who specializes pet grooming. She was interested in mentoring because she wanted to create a great friendship with a young girl that would foster positive growth in both of them. Stephanie was referred to the program after some trouble at school landed her in juvenile court. But Stephanie's problems at school were no indication of how bright, beautiful and motivated she actually was at age fifteen when Lisa met her. Stephanie and Lisa have spent their time together gabbing about the men in their lives, studying for tests, and contemplating possibilities for Stephanie's future. In May 03, Stephanie became a high school graduate and is looking forward to higher education. "She is one of the hardest working people I have ever met," comments Lisa. So what impact has Lisa had on Stephanie's successes? "She has just always been there and I have been able to talk to her about anything," says Stephanie. Truly, Stephanie is responsible for her own maturity and growth into the delightful young woman she is today. Having Lisa as a consistent, supportive friend just made it a little easier.

For more information call Mary Tanski, Director of the Wing's Mentoring Program. At 919-856-7527 Mary.Tanski@co.wake.nc.us

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