Growing up, who guided you to become a better student and grow as a person? Whether it was a parent, guardian, teacher, or a coach, many of us had a mentor who pushed us to succeed. As we face an unprecedented school year, mentors and tutors can play an even bigger role to ensure our kids receive a full education. To connect these mentors with local students, Christ’s Church Albany is hosting a Serve Albany Mentor Week from August 31 – September 5, 2020, a week-long recruiting event.
Serve Albany – Making It Easy to Make a Difference
Based in the City of Albany, Christ’s Church Albany is a nondenominational church that’s committed to making a difference in people’s lives and the local community. To further this mission, the Church created the nonprofit group Serve Albany, which exists to help connect people with the large number of volunteer opportunities available in Albany.
For Christ’s Church Albany, serving and giving back is the best way to live, and that’s why they’ve created the new Serve Albany Mentor Week this year.
Join the Cause During Serve Albany Mentor Week
To learn more about Serve Albany Mentor Week, we talked with senior pastor and co-founder of Christ’s Church Albany, Jonathan Hentrich. For him, “Mentoring is something everybody needs as it can play a big role in your success. This year, COVID has only increased the need.”
Using their Serve Albany network, Christ’s Church Albany will host Serve Albany Mentor Week from August 31 – September 5. The Church will promote 12 different Albany nonprofits who are ready to equip and train mentors and tutors for the 2020-21 school year, including:
- Albany Police Athletic League, Inc.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region
- Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area
- Capital Region Sponsor-A-Scholar
- Girls on the Run Capital Region
- Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County
- Mission Accomplished Transition Services
- Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE)
- South End Children’s Cafe
- Tru Heart Inc.
- U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
- Wizard’s Wardrobe (South End Neighborhood Tutors)
These organizations are in need of a wide variety of mentors and tutors, from people who can provide literacy services to those who can guide elementary school kids, middle schoolers, or students preparing for college. Information about each one is available online >>
Ask Yourself – Should I Become a Mentor or Tutor?
Serve Albany Mentor Week will kick off with a press conference on August 31 at 10:30am featuring Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Albany School Superintendent Kaweeda Adams, County Executive Dan McCoy, and a representative from each of the participating nonprofits.
Then, during the week, Serve Albany partners will highlight these volunteer opportunities on social media and share info and videos to encourage you to join the cause. The partners that will be sharing online stories about mentoring will include:
- CBS 6
- WGNA
- City Schools of Albany
- Albany Public Library
- Christ’s Church Albany
- Serve Albany Facebook Group
- Power Breakfast
- The Times Union
The power of mentoring is you, and Serve Albany Mentor Week will offer the resources you need to get started.
This week is sponsored by The Times Union, Hone Coworks, Overit Media, and Albany.com.
It’s Time to Take the Next Step
According to Hentrich, becoming a mentor or tutor can have a positive impact on both you and the student you’re helping. “It’s super important for everyone to volunteer, to help kids at an early age and build a foundation. Giving a little time can have a big impact, and it can make a difference in their life and give yours more meaning.”
Now more than ever, local kids and students could use a mentor or tutor to help them realize their potential and have a fulfilling 2020-21 school year.
