Mentor's Care Expands Support Program for At-Risk Students in Godley

Godley ISD is set to enhance student support through the introduction of Mentor's Care, a mentoring program aimed at assisting struggling students. During the Godley ISD Board of Trustees meeting on July 21, 2025, representatives from Mentor's Care presented their initiative, which is designed to foster meaningful relationships between students and adult mentors.

Brian Blackwell, the managing director of Mentor's Care, emphasized the program's focus on students facing challenges such as poor attendance, behavioral issues, and academic struggles. The initiative, which has successfully operated in various North Texas schools since its inception in 2009, aims to provide these students with hope and guidance toward graduation.

The program will kick off in the 2025-2026 school year, with plans to recruit around 50 to 60 community members as mentors. These mentors will commit to spending one hour each week with their assigned students, engaging in structured discussions that cover essential life skills and academic support. Blackwell noted that the program has seen significant success in other districts, with a 98% graduation rate among participating seniors last year.

In addition to academic support, Mentor's Care also addresses students' physical and emotional needs, connecting them with resources for food, clothing, and counseling. The program's coordinator, Melissa Ormsby, will oversee the implementation at Godley High School, ensuring that mentors are properly trained and matched with students.

The board expressed enthusiasm for the program, recognizing its potential to positively impact the community by providing at-risk students with the guidance and support they need to succeed. As the program prepares to launch, the Godley ISD community looks forward to the positive changes it promises to bring to local students' lives.