Vineland recognizes 'Mentor on the Green' youth golf mentorship program

The Vineland City Council honored Mentor on the Green, a nonprofit that uses golf as a vehicle to mentor and expose inner‑city youth to life skills and professional networks.

James Cooper, introduced in the meeting as 'Coop' and identified by council members by name, described the program (Cooper referred to it as 'Mentoring the Green' in his remarks) as a 10‑week curriculum that began at Eastland Golf Course and now runs sessions indoors at the Alm Center. Cooper said the program limits participation to about 50 children per semester because of transportation constraints and reported participants from Vineland and several neighboring counties.

Cooper said the program incorporates guest speakers — doctors, judges, fraternity and sorority members and others — to provide exposure beyond athletics, and that two 15‑passenger vans donated by Union Baptist Temple have helped with transportation and outreach. Cooper told the council that "85% of the kids just keep coming back," and described plans to grow the program through partnerships with schools and college programs.

Council members offered praise during and after the recognition. Doctor Arthur thanked students from Johnstone for leading the flag salute and congratulated the mentees and mentors. Council member Gomez thanked the school and praised James Cooper's leadership. Councilman English said Cooper "kept coming back" despite obstacles, and Councilman Vargas emphasized the role of family and education alongside mentorship.

The council handed out certificates to mentors and mentees at the meeting; a list of mentors and mentees was read into the record and certificates were distributed. The resolution recognizing Mentor on the Green was adopted by the council.

Council members encouraged the program's continuation and called for community support and partnership as the program expands.