In the 2022-23 school year, TeamMates supported over 1,200 matched mentors and mentees. It was a great, successful year of mentoring – a year to keep building back from the pandemic years when recruitment was limited. Yet, there were far too many young people left on the “I’m waiting for a mentor” list.
As such, Lincoln TeamMates (LincolnTeammates.org) wants to match as many of those young people as possible. So, Lincoln TeamMates has plans in place this year to welcome 365 new mentors, 124 more than last year. That’s a 50% increase.
Jim Bennett, Lincoln TeamMates coordinator, thinks the 365 goal is doable, “We do whatever is best for kids.” Bennett says, “We’re aiming for this big number, because we know the incredible impact on not only the young person’s life, but also on the life of the mentor and the community as a whole.”
Reaching out to the Lincoln business community to form and/or expand relationships with business leaders is part of the plan. Research consistently shows that employee engagement as volunteers reduces turnover and increases productivity. Mentors in renewal training confirm this. “I feel energized when I go back to work,” says Clay, a mentor for three years.
Will you and your business partner with Lincoln TeamMates to impact the community through mentoring? There are many ways you can help. Contact Jim Bennett for more information about partnering with TeamMates. Call (402) 436-1990 or visit LincolnTeammates.org.