Launched in 2017, Mr. and Ms. Mentoring is a research-based intervention program that provides mental health support to primarily low-income children, ages 8 to 17. Our program inspires and equips youth who are experiencing behavioral or cognitive issues such as trauma, ADHD, anxiety, depression and/or poor social skills in home and school settings. Youth develop skills to conquer past trauma, fears and negative feelings.
In addition to one-on-one and group counseling, Mr. and Ms. Mentoring provides a stable, supportive environment and positive support systems that help youth develop coping skills through creative outlets such as health and wellness activities, arts and crafts for creativity, musical expressions and activities that challenge and allow the kids to work together and develop better social skills. Mr. and Ms. Mentoring also works to actively engage the community in supporting youth and provides resources to improve parent-child communication and strengthen families, with a focus on helping single-parent families and families who are fostering youth.
Since our founding, our organization has served over 150 at-risk youth in the Volusia County area. Yearly we serve 25-75 kids, some continuing on with the program as needed.
Mr. and Ms. Mentoring’s mission is fueled by community support. We are grateful for the involvement of the following local businesses: Stress and Anxiety Center, CareerSource, Skyzone Trampoline Park, Halifax Health, Rue and Ziffra, Community Outreach Program and Successful Employment.
To learn more about our program, visit us at mrandmsmentoring.org.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Volusia County recently exceeded its fundraising goal for a matching campaign with Brown & Brown of Daytona Beach. The total amount raised by the matching campaign, which began in November 2021 with a goal of $5,000, was $10,715.
As a champion for early literacy and promoting its importance throughout Volusia County, Brown & Brown generously agreed to match the first $5,000 raised. While the campaign was initially scheduled to run through the end of January, the fundraising goal was met one month early, thanks to donations from generous members of the community and local businesses.
The Volusia Imagination Library, first started in 2015, is facilitated by The Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia (ELCFV) and encourages parents to read with their children to nurture early literacy skills and strengthen family relationships.
Supported entirely by community donations and grants, the program mails books to more than 3,500 children ages birth to five years old each month. Books are chosen by a panel of early childhood specialists and feature diverse, age-appropriate topics.
Due to limited funding, the program is currently only offered in select cities. With an increase in enrollments, the need for consistent funding is crucial. ELCFV’s goal is to secure consistent funding so that the program can expand to all of Volusia County.
Community members and businesses interested in signing up for monthly recurring donations or making a one-time donation can do so at elcfv.org/donate. For more information about the Volusia County Imagination Library, please visit elcfv.org/dolly-partons-imagination-library.
