M.S.W. Distance Option Student News
Marion County recognizes New Solutions Child and Adolescent Mentoring Program
Leah Mangis, an M.S.W. graduate student, created a volunteer youth mentoring program that received the 2010Marion County Volunteer Program Award. The program, which Leah developed and supervises, serves children and youth involved in the behavioral health programs of Oregon's Marion County.
"It's such an honor to receive the Volunteer Program Award from Marion County. I created the program in 2008 to help one adolescent have at least one positive and healthy relationship in his or her own life," Leah said. "In the last three years, the program has successfully matched 50 relationships. I feel honored that Marion County sees the New Solutions Child and Adolescent Mentoring program as a high quality mentoring program, one that uses best practices in program effectiveness, program evaluations and matching forms for the mentor to mentee relationship.
"As a Portland State University, School of Social Work Distance Option student," she added, "I am utilizing grant writing experience from Junghee Lee's Research Methods class and hope to obtain a grant in the next year or two to continue developing this award-winning mentoring program. My hope is that every child in need has a mentor who encourages, supports and praises him or her."
Visit the Marion County website to learn how you can be a mentor with the New Solutions Child and Adolescent Mentoring Program.
Visit Oregon Mentors to learn more about mentoring opportunities around the state.
