Posted by: thepinetree on 10/07/2013 02:29 PM
Updated by: thepinetree on 10/07/2013 02:34 PM
Expires: 01/01/2018 12:00 AM
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Pat Franklin Named October 2013 Mentor of the Month
Calaveras County...Valley Springs resident Pat Franklin has been named the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program’s October Mentor of the Month. Pat and his nine-year-old mentee, Tyler, have been matched for a year now and embarking on their second year together....
“Not only is Pat an extraordinarily patient and committed mentor, he also acted as stage manager for many years for the Calaveras Follies, the Mentoring Program’s largest fundraiser,” said Colleen Dolan, Coordinator of Mentoring Programs at the Calaveras County Office of Education.
Tyler’s grandmother, Jackie Machado, nominated Pat as Mentor of the Month. “Not long after Pat and Tyler were matched, I realized that Pat’s strong values and his sincere concern for Tyler’s well-being were making a significant difference in Tyler’s life. Pat is helping Tyler discover his strengths,” said Jackie. “Tyler’s self-esteem, social skills, and academics have all improved. Pat and the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program have made a difference in our family.”
Pat and Tyler have enjoyed many adventures during their year together. Their favorite was a recent trip to San Francisco. “I loved seeing the city through Tyler’s eyes; he was so excited to ride BART for the first time,” said Pat. “Being a mentor in the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program, I’ve gained a new friend, but I also have a new respect for kids Tyler’s age. He’s a pretty amazing guy.”
Pat is a member of the West Calaveras Rotary Club and a parishioner of the Community United Methodist Church of Valley Springs. In addition to working with young people in the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program, Pat also worked with the Kara Program in Palo Alto to support adolescents experiencing grief after the loss of a loved one. “Young people often just need someone to talk to, like a sounding board,” said Pat. “No matter a person’s age or physical ability, they can be a mentor just by listening. Tyler and I don’t often plan what we’re going to do. We just get together and have fun.”
The Mentoring Program is currently seeking new volunteers, and particularly needs mentors for boys in Angels Camp. There are many ways to support the Mentoring Program aside from being a mentor: help coordinate fieldtrips, support fundraising efforts, or help with publicity. For more information about the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program, call Colleen Dolan at (209) 736-6078 or visit online at www.calaverasmentoring.org.
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