GIVE 30: Nurturing the Next Generation

Keeping Youth on Course

In today's meeting, Riverbend Rotary had the pleasure of hosting Tammy Kruse from GIVE 30. An initiative that is as simple as it is profound, GIVE 30 is a mentoring program designed to support middle and high school students through the tumultuous years of growing up.

Why the need?

Many students often grapple with various challenges both in the school environment and in their personal lives. These hurdles, if not addressed, can potentially derail a promising future. GIVE 30 steps in by providing these students with a mentor to converse with, ensuring they have guidance and a supporting shoulder to lean on.

These sessions are loosely structured. Lasting 30 minutes a week, they occur exclusively within school premises during school hours, ensuring a protected environment for both mentor and mentee. Confidentiality is held in high regard, with mentors not sharing their last names or personal contact details with the student.

The program has a methodical approach to pairing. Students are spotted by the school and then paired with mentors whose profiles align with the needs and personality of the student.

The commitment to safety and integrity is uncompromising. Every mentor undergoes an hour's training provided by the ROE, which ensures they are well-versed with the expectations and norms of the program. Additionally, each mentor is fingerprinted, background checked, and instated as a mandated reporter, tasked with reporting any disclosure of abuse.

If you're interested in being a beacon of hope and guidance for a young individual, reach out to Tammy Kruse at tkruse@co.madison.il.us. Let's come together to mold our community's future.

Visit Riverbend Rotary
Noon Thursdays at Senior Services Plus in Alton
Speak to Riverbend Rotary