By Dana Hudspeth, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
Boys & Girls Club students who participate in the Native American Mentoring Program at the Sulphur Club, include: Front row, from left, Elissa Neese, Jamin VanHorn, Cheyenne Johnson, Andrew Neese and Brianna Neese. Back row, from left, Mattie Simmons, Payton Szalaj, Alison England, Destiny Rowell, Kellan Brown and A.J. Brown.
Chickasaw Nation Boys & Girls Club of Sulphur mentor volunteers Joni Wallace, right, and her husband Benny, work on craft projects with Cheyenne Johnson and Andrew Neese recently at the Club. The couple is a part of the Club's Mentor program, which is seeking additional volunteers.
January is National Mentoring Month
At least one day a week, Joni and Benny Wallace can be found at the Chickasaw Nation Boys & Girls Club of Sulphur making crafts, playing sports or board games with Boys & Girls Club students.
The Sulphur couple is among 15 individuals who volunteer as mentors at the Club as a part of the Native American Mentoring Program.
The Club is seeking additional volunteers in an effort to give more students a chance to participate in the program.
Mentors volunteer to spend at least one hour a week, or four hours a month at the Club, providing one-on-one interaction with a student.
"An hour a week doesn't seem like a lot of time, but in the eyes of a child it can make a huge, positive impact," said Stormy Busby, local Mentor Program coordinator.
"The children get so excited when their mentor gets here," she said.
No matter what the activity, both Benny and Joni said the most important thing they do at the Club is give their time.
Benny, a Chickasaw citizen, has been volunteering for several years and says he lets the student choose the activity, whether it is making reindeers out of candy canes or playing basketball.
A youth minister for many years, he has always been able to relate to kids on their level, without passing judgment, he said
"I can show them how to live through a good example."
Through the mentoring program, he gives his undivided attention to one student, something they may not get in a home full of siblings and busy parents.
"I am not here for me, but for them. I just like to spend time with kids."
Benny's wife, Joni, teaches at Chickasaw Nation Head Start in Sulphur.
The mentoring program allows her to relate and work with older students, she said.
"I've been around the Boys & Girls Club ever since they opened. I enjoy working with all ages of kids."
"I would encourage more people to get involved in the program."
Cheyenne Johnson, 7, a second grader at Davis Elementary, is Joni's student, or "mentee" and said she likes all the attention.
Andrew Neese, a 12 year-old Sulphur Junior High Student, is paired with Benny for the next few months.
All students enrolled at the Club have a chance to participate in the program. Students rotate through the program every six months, said Busby.
Besides spending time working puzzles, creating crafts or participating in sports, mentors and mentees also take group field trips throughout the year.
"The trips give many of the students an opportunity to go places and do things they might not normally get to do," said Busby.
Volunteers must be over 16 years of age to participate. Any applicant 18 and older must pass a background check.
Spending one hour a week is the only requirement of volunteers, and scheduling is based on the volunteer's schedule.
"But mentors can come to the Club as much as they want," Busby said.
The Chickasaw Nation Boys & Girls Club of Sulphur is part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and offers programs in character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, arts, sports, fitness and recreation.
For more information about the Native American Mentoring Program, contact Ms. Busby at (580) 622-8302.
