Volunteer Opportunity Details:

Did you know that half of all third graders in New Bedford elementary schools are unable to read at grade level? Did you know that because of this, most children who struggle in the third grade are unlikely to make it through high school? It's a fact!! One of the leading indicators of a child's future academic success is the ability to read at grade level by the third grade...SMILES wants to HELP KIDS READ, don't you?

For the 2009-2010 school year SMILES has expanded literacy-based mentoring programs to include the Carlos Pacheco, Hayden McFadden and Gomes Elementary schools. We are pairing first and second-grade students, currently reading below grade level, with caring adult mentors. The mentors act as reading coaches, spending one hour each week in a group setting, reading to and with their mentee. Our literacy- based programs follow our regular site-based program model. They take place in a group setting, within the school building and are led by a SMILES program facilitator.

Volunteers are needed for these and all SMILES Mentoring programs. Won't you consider becoming a mentor and making a difference in the life of a child? Please call today!

Volunteers are required to commit one hour each week to mentor a child in need during the school year (October- June). Before they begin,an application, CORI and reference check will be completed. Training is provided before group sessions begin and subsequent training/focus groups are offered throughout the year. As long as information on application, references and CORI checks are approved; there are no limitations on who can become a mentor.

This opportunity is sponsored by: SMILES Mentoring

Volunteers will work with the following groups Adolescents (13-17) Children (5-12) We need volunteers who are free at these times Weekly This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers Adults (26-54) Young Adults (18-25) Adults (55+) This volunteer opportunity addresses the following social interests Children & Youth Mentoring Services Literacy

Contact Person: Elizett Pires, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) View all agency contacts

Address:

One Sovereign Place, Lower Level P.O. Box 1712 New Bedford, MA 02741 (See a map)

Directions:

Located in the Sovereign Bank Building on the corner of Union Street and Acushnet Avenue in downtown New Bedford

Details where opportunity can also be performed

This opportunity can also be performed in these locations:

Cities:		New Bedford
Counties:		Bristol