Youth First Mentoring expands into Barre City; board approves off-campus 'Empty Bowls' fundraiser
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Summary
Sally Russell of Youth First presented an overview of the community-based mentoring group's work and funding needs as it expands into Barre City. The board separately approved an off-campus Empty Bowls fundraiser proposed by Berry City Middle/Elementary staff; the motion passed by roll-call vote.
Sally Russell, program director of Youth First Mentoring, presented the nonprofit's model and recent expansion into Barre City. Youth First is a community-based mentoring program serving youth ages 8–18 in several local towns; Russell said the organization established services in Barre City after winning two startup grants (one from a lead-prevention organization supported by United Way and one from Mentor Vermont). Russell said the program's current annual budget is just under $85,000 and that about half the budget varies year to year based on grant funding; she asked local leaders and the school district to consider ways to support local sustainability including a targeted fundraising goal of about $25,000 and potential ongoing town funding.
Russell said Youth First recruits, screens and trains community volunteers, conducts home visits and background checks, and provides discretionary "opportunity gap" funds to help mentees access enrichment experiences; she said the Vermont Children's Trust grant provides roughly $510 per child for enrichment activities such as overnight camp, lessons, or test fees. "When mentoring starts early, especially, the benefits of mentoring are even greater," Russell said, describing the program's long-term results and social-return estimates cited in mentoring studies.
Board members and community speakers asked about program eligibility, school partnerships and whether high-school students could serve as mentors; Russell said the program is community-based rather than site-based, serves children whose families request the program, and that the model typically excludes students whose needs require licensed clinical services. Several community members, including a middle-school teacher and a parent, reported existing mentoring activities in the district and encouraged collaboration.
Separately on the same agenda, the board considered and approved an off-campus school event: Berry City Middle/Elementary's "Empty Bowls" community dinner organized by art teacher Irene Navadonis and students. The motion before the board authorized the event and coverage under the district multiline insurance policy. The board voted by roll call: Sonya (Sonia) Spalding, Garrett Grant, Nancy LeClaire, Alice Farrell, Emily Wheeler Reynolds, Catherine Whelan and Michael Bouton all voted Aye and the motion passed.
Ending: Youth First said it will provide contact information and brochures to the schools and asked the district to consider local liaisons and fundraising support; the Empty Bowls event was approved and community members said they would assist with publicity and sponsorship outreach.
