KIDSTART PROGRAM
The John Howard Society – 1455 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC V9N 2K6
201 – 140A 10th Avenue, Campbell River BC V9W 4E3
Phone (Courtenay): 250-338-7341
Phone (Campbell River): 250-286-0611 ext.113
Websites: www.kidstart.ca or www.jhsni.bc.ca
Contacts:
Lee Manson (Comox Valley Coordinator) lee.manson@jhsni.bc.ca
Jesse Herbach (Campbell River Coordinator) jesse.herbach@jhsni.bc.ca
The young people who benefit the most from participating in KidStart are those who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. Each child in KidStart has experiences that indicate their need for support. The loss of a family member, challenges at school, or stresses at home are all reasons that a child will be identified as needing a supportive adult friend.
Our Volunteers are recruited, screened, trained and supported by the KidStart Coordinators. The goal of our Volunteer Mentors is to develop a positive relationship with the youth and engage kids in one-to-one healthy recreational activities that promote success and achievement.
KidStart is a program for kids age 6+ that provides carefully screened and selected adult volunteers to mentor or “coach” vulnerable children and youth.
At KidStart we know from years of experience that everyone can benefit from a mentor.
Programs & Services:
- The KidStart Mentoring Program is a free program for children ages 6 – 18
- Mentors must be at least 19 years of age.
- Volunteer Mentors encourage young people to develop their own interests, support learning & skill-building and open doors for them to participate in community life. They model positive attitudes and values and are culturally diverse. Most importantly, they are honest, flexible, creative, patient, consistent and reliable and spend time developing a trusting friendship. KidStart mentor -mentee relationships are open ended and many remain active for years.
If you are interested in volunteering in the Comox Valley please call 250-338-7341; in Campbell River call 250-286-0611 or ; visit www.jhsni.bc.ca.