The young people of today must cope with far more personal and social pressures than any other previous generation of youth. Early intervention through a structured mentor relationship may be able to give young people the tools and support they need to deal effectively with these pressures.

Understand the many social, psychological, and physical demands that the youth face is extremely important for any individual about to undertake the task of being mentor.

The statistics in out county are over whelming. Venango Count has on of the highest juvenile delinquency rates in the country, at 14.6% It is in the highest rate group nationally for juvenile property crimes, ages 10-17 (Higher than all but four other counties in our state, including urban Philadelphia and Allegheny Counties) and the second highest group of violent crime arrests. The urgency us great for developing more effective prevention efforts, especially for younger juveniles, who are committing a disproportional high number of juvenile crimes.

The SWYM (Service with Youth and Mentors) program works with these high risk and adjudicated youth reconnect with he community through involvement with a supportive and caring adult mentor. It is through the SWYM Mentor Project that the cycle of arrest and re-arrest that occurs for many of our children and teens who become first time offenders as juveniles may be interrupted through the support and care of a mentor. The 360 Mentor Center(formerly the Med 'O Lark store on 12th Street in Franklin,) along with its activities and classes will only enhance this relationship with the youth and mentor. We are also partnering with local churches to weekly share the Gospel and perhaps lead a service or minister in music.

Key Benefits of Mentoring

• Kids that have a mentor are 46% less likely than their peers to start illegal drugs.
• Kids that have a mentor are 27% less likely than their peers to start drinking alcohol.
• Kids that have a mentor are 52% less likely than their peers to skip school.