Youth Mentoring

Coordinator: Emily Seitz

Email: YouthMentoring@messiah.edu

Big Brothers Big Sisters:

Big Brothers Big Sisters offers students the opportunity to serve as positive role models to children in the Harrisburg area. Students (called Buddies) are paired with a "Little" and given the chance to form meaningful relationships. Buddies may volunteer to mentor a Little through one of two programs:  Salvation Army Community Center or Lunch Buddies.

Salvation Army Community Center Afterschool Program

Overall Mission

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Volunteer Information

The afterschool program works with kids to help them learn academically and spiritually. Volunteers can choose 1 or more afternoons a week to assit with the program Mon.-Fri. 3:00-6:00pm.

Lunch Buddies Program:

Buddies may meet up with their Littles for one hour to share lunch in the child's elementary school.Lunch Buddies is a more individualized time that gives Buddies the opportunity to really get to know their Little, mentor, and help with homework. Teachers identify children who can benefit most from interaction with acaring adult. Volunteer's go to their buddy's school and eat lunch, go to recess, or attend reading period with them.  This program builds more of a one-on-one relationship between Buddies and Littles.

Bethesda Mission Youth Center

                                                                        Overall Mission

The mission of Bethesda Mission is to reach out a helping hand to the men and women of the streets for the purpose of "Introducing them to the Gospel of Jesus Christ," and providing them with food, shelter, clothing, fellowship and Christian counseling. It is our prayer that in time, Bethseda Mission's guests will emerge as productive, capable, and mature adults.

Volunteer Information

The afterschool program has various activities and themes everyday of the week.  Regular activities are games, homework, tutoring, and snacks.  Volunteers can choose 1 or more afternoons a week to assit with the program Mon-Fri 3:00-6:00pm.

Youth Center

1990 marked the opening of the Youth Center, in response to an obvious void in the community as far as meeting the very real needs of inner city young people goes. The Youth Center offers a safe, nurturing environment where kids can be kids and learn how to discover their purpose and fullfill their potential. The after chool program serves inner city youth, ages 7-18 years old. A typical week consists of Spiritual Development classes, Creative Learning classes, Arts and Crafts, Worship time, recreation, snacks ,lots of fun, and whatever the needs of the children dictate.

Berry Hill Street Boys and Girls Club Program:

Buddies may participate Monday thru Friday from 3-6pm to help their Little with homework, read together, play games, go outside,do arts and crafts, and more.  The programsprovides structures and offers a safe meeting place, which appeals to parents, children, and volunteers. Club grew out of a pilot project funded by a 2001 grant.