Mentor St. Louis and Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club are slowly but surely working to secure a mentor for each student in the St. Louis Public School system who needs one.
“We wanted to connect them with people that’ll give them a different point of view – help them in school, have a new friend and have somebody that would encourage them to look at the future,” said Sue Schlichter, who co-founded Mentor St. Louis with Jerry Schlichter in 1995.
Thus far, Cote Brilliante Elementary, Dunbar Elementary, Farragut Elementary, Jefferson Elementary and Sherman Elementary are working with the Herbert Hoover/ Mentor St. Louis partnership.
Specific goals include preparation for the Missouri Assessment Program test, improved literacy, increased attendance, decreased suspension and increased self-esteem.
“The kids were not getting the kind of education that they deserved in the St. Louis Public Schools, and we felt we wanted to do some something that would help them have a stronger education,” Sue Schlichter said.
The partnership with a youth agency that has deep roots in the community and offers a wider range of programs adds a new dimension.
“It expands access to activity beyond their school day program and mentor contact,” said Flint W. Fowler, president of the Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club.
“The opportunity to have the relationship with the club is such a wonderful bonus,” Schlichter agreed.
“We will have the opportunity for all the kids to take advantage of all the wonderful programs Herbert Hoover offers.”
Ryonnel Jackson, director of Mentor St. Louis, sees the partnership as a way for his organization to expand its focus. Mentor St. Louis has provided mentoring to students only until sixth grade, while the boys and girls club works with students through high school and beyond.
“We have the potential now to continue those relationships, continue fostering that care,” Jackson said.
Mentor St. Louis pairs public school elementary students with adult volunteers. The students are encouraged to develop a love of learning and strive to reach their highest potential. The program coordinates monthly morning mentor sessions at school, lunch visits, correspondence and telephone calls between mentors and students.
Fowler believes Herbert Hoover will learn and improve through the partnership.
“We wanted to maintain the integrity of the Mentor St. Louis experience,” Fowler said.
“It lined up nicely with our mission and purpose. We wanted to strengthen our mentoring experience. Mentor St. Louis gave us a chance to bring more structure.”
Billy Phillups, 85, has volunteered with Mentor St. Louis for about 16 years. Over that time, she has mentored seven students.
“I believe you really plant the seed, and they’ll grow. You can see the development,” Phillups said.
“I feel confident I’ve planted some goals and objectives, and that is my reward.”
Ultimately, Schlichter envisions a reward for the region as well as the students, mentors, schools and partnered agencies.
“We want to help kids have as much advantage as possible in this world, give them aspiration, more opportunities, self confidence, healthier lifestyles, a better education,” she said.
“That will make the city a stronger city and a better place to grow up.”
Go to hhbgc.org for more information on how to become a mentor or to join the Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club.
