Mentors Plus Program Celebrates with Picnic, Seeks Volunteers
(Oakland County Youth Assistance, Oct. 15, 2019)
Waterford, MI- The importance of making a difference in a young person’s life was celebrated recently at the Oakland County Youth Assistance 2019 Mentors Plus Annual Picnic at the Pontiac-Waterford Elks Lodge, #810.
 
The weather was wonderful and many Mentors and their Mentees came to share the great food, do beading and woodcrafts, and participate in lots of other board and outdoor games. Matches were also entertained by the Comedy Magic of Ken Dumm and visited by the Waterford Fire Department with their Engine and Ambulance.  Kids got the opportunity to hear stories and climb all over the vehicles – and even water the lawn with the fire hose.  Sandra Asmar’s face painting, Grant Smith’s chili, and Grace’s guidance in making slime all contributed to a terrific time had by everyone.
The mission of Oakland County Youth Assistance is to strengthen youth and families and prevent and reduce delinquency, abuse and neglect through volunteer involvement. Each of the organization’s mentors agrees to spend a minimum of one hour a week with a young person, who could use some extra support from their community. The annual picnic is just one of the many opportunities offered each year for fun with other mentors and their matches.
We are particularly grateful to The Pontiac-Waterford Elks Lodge, #810 for providing the picnic shelter, the 2^nd Degree Team of volunteers (who helped with set-up and clean-up), and Dave and Tom – the barbecue wizards, who helped tremendously throughout the day. The VIBE Credit Union (formerly Oakland County Credit Union) and Genisys Credit Union provided the primary funding for the event. The Ladies Klub of the Elks Lodge, and Sam’s Club, also contributed food, drinks, school supplies, and give-aways.  Wooden craft kits from Home Depot were definitely a hit!  Many Youth Assistance staff, mentors, mentees, and other volunteers also made the day spectacular – with all their help.
Those interested in becoming a mentor are asked to call Mentors Plus at (248)858-0041 to volunteer. Orientations are open to the public and held monthly. Please join us in making a positive difference in a young person’s life.  Check us out further at www.oakgov.com/YA/mentorsplus.