Press Releases

United Way’s Mentor Training Reaches Extraordinary Milestone!

November 14, 2006 – Stanhope, NJ – High school students from Lenape Valley Regional High School helped JoAnn Tsonton, of United Way of Morris County's Mentor Training and Consulting Center, celebrate their role as graduates of the Center's 100th Mentoring Class on Tuesday, November 14, 2006. 

As part of the school's Peer2Peer program, the students completed 12 hours of mentor training classes held on Saturday mornings throughout the fall.  The training focused on the roles, rights, and responsibilities of being a mentor.  The newly trained mentors will work mentoring younger students in a variety of ways, helping them adjust to the new environment of high school, listening to fellow students who may need someone to talk with, and encouraging them to be inclusive of all other students.

Tsonton said, "Our 100th Mentoring Class was a wonderful experience for all of us.  We have done two mentoring classes previously at Lenape Valley Regional High School, so it was like going home.  Even though the classes began at 8:00 on Saturday mornings, the teens were, at least after 8:30 or so, engaged and ready to learn.  Their faithful attendance and participation showed how seriously they were taking the sessions.  Their comments indicated that they are very excited about using their skills in the school's Peer2Peer program.  We will be happy to hear their success stories as the school year progresses."

Since 1998, the Mentor Training and Consulting Center has trained 395 high school and college students to be mentors.  Students from Morristown, Mendham, Bayley Ellard, Mountain Lakes High School, County College of Morris, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and Mt. Olive area schools have participated in the program.

To learn more about our Mentor Training and Consulting Center, click here.

About United Way of Morris County's Mentor Training and Consulting Center
The Mentor Training and Consulting Center helps fill volunteer mentoring opportunities in local social service agencies as well as schools, religious organizations and neighborhoods.  On-site training also is offered for local corporations.  Mentor Training classes teach participants the basics of mentoring.  Upon completion of training the students are given information on agencies within Morris County that offer mentoring programs.  The Center also serves to increase public awareness and understanding of mentoring, including its needs and benefits.  Mentor training is free-of-charge and open to anyone interested in becoming a mentor.

About United Way of Morris County
United Way of Morris County is dedicated to helping people and improving the quality of life for all residents. We address issues most critical to the future of Morris County by bringing attention, expertise, and resources to them. For more information, visit us on the web at www.uwmorris.org, or call 973.993.1160.

Contact
Jean Funk
Marketing Communications
United Way of Morris County
973.993.1160, x114
Email