Success Stories
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Reading Program Receives Blue Ribbon Award
The Greater Kansas City Association of School Librarians honored the “BowWOWing for Books” therapy dog reading program with their Blue Ribbon Award May 6. The R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) program is coordinated by library media specialist Joan Arth. The facilitators are Heddie Leger and Dana Marsh. Their canine partners are Hero, a Rottweiler and Megan, a Schnauzer. The students read 20 minutes once a week to their animal friend. The purpose is to allow students the experience of reading without the scrutiny of a teacher or parent. The animal-assisted therapy focuses on fluency, comprehension, confidence and a passion for reading.
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YouthFriends Founder Named Administrator of the Year
The Missouri Schools Public Relations Association (MOSPRA) has named North Kansas City Schools Superintendent Tom Cummings the 2009 MOSPRA Administrator of the Year. The award recognizes those employed by an educational institution who have made a significant contribution to school public relations. In addition to helping found YouthFriends in 1995, Cummings has been a dedicated YouthFriends supporter and volunteer for more than 12 years. |
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The Lasting Impact of Mentoring
DeeAnn Stock has given her fair share of community service and then some. She realizes that volunteering directly impacts the community and that’s why she has joined forces with numerous organizations and causes over the past 25 years. But nothing has impacted her as much as her service as a YouthFriends mentor. More > |
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Common Bonds
YouthFriends mentor Vince Nguyen happily loses at chess each Friday. Why? Because the word "checkmate" is coming from his YouthFriend, Sang. More > |
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It Takes a Team
Companies and individuals get excited about the idea of YouthFriends mentoring, but then hesitate to get involved—fearing they might overextend themselves by committing to weekly visits. But now, an increasing number of volunteers are easing those concerns by participating in "mentoring teams." More > |
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Sharing Inspiration
YouthFriends Corps Mentor Katherine Meinig has been inspiring students in the Paola School District for years and is preparing for future adventures as graduation approaches. More >
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Small Effort, Big Impact
"Gratifying." "Passion." "Refreshing." "Rewarding." These are the words Kim Bruce uses to describe her mentor-mentee relationship with Lanieke. More > |
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Creating Connections
Matt is a YouthFriends Corps high school mentor, also known as a "Care Cat" within Basehor Linwood USD 458. Christian and Matt read together two to three times a week. "Matt helps me with learning my letters and saying my words right," Christian said. More > |
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Making a Difference
Matt was in fourth grade when he first met his YouthFriend, Jason Christenson. Soon Jason became a good friend and a male role model. More > |
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Building Confidence
When Robertino and his family moved to the Blue Valley area from Mexico, Robertino needed a little assistance in some areas of school. Aaron spoke Spanish and had an interest in helping Robertino in any way he could. More > |
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Throughout the Years
For nearly a decade, Mike Vieux has been mentoring Darrell, now a freshman in the Kansas City, Missouri School District. So what keeps him involved? More > |
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