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Community Corner

Fairfax Partnership for Youth (FPY) is having a Mentoring Summit November 10, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Mary Beth Waite
Fairfax Partnership for Youth, Inc
(703)324-5535
Mary.Waite@fairfaxcounty.gov
Congressman Gerry Connolly to Speak at Fairfax Partnership for Youth Mentoring Summit
Fairfax Partnership for Youth, the lead local partner of the national mentoring partnership (MENTOR), is hosting a summit to highlight mentoring as a premier opportunity for the business community to engage with local school and community-based mentoring programs and have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of youth. Mentoring programs that meet national guidelines for best practices will be highlighted as potential partners for volunteer programs or corporate sponsorships. Representatives of the local business community, mentoring program providers, and supporters of mentoring are all invited to attend this event on November 10, 2011, with keynote speaker Congressman Gerry Connolly.
The summit will be held from 12:30 pm until 2:30 pm at the James Lee Community Center in Falls Church. Participants can register for this free event at http://www.fairfaxyouth.org. A light lunch will be served, and space is limited.
Research confirms that well-designed mentoring programs are effective on several fronts. Academically, mentored youth have better attitudes toward school, better attendance, and a higher chance to continue on to higher education. Studies have also shown that mentoring reduces substance abuse and other negative youth behaviors, while it promotes positive social attitudes and better communication. Every youth needs strong mentors to guide them toward a fulfilling future. Since 2009, the number of volunteer mentors available for youth in the northern Virginia community has dwindled as a direct result of the economic downturn. This event is designed to revitalize mentoring through the collaborative efforts of nonprofits, businesses, schools and local governments.
Fairfax Partnership for Youth is a private, not-for-profit agency that delivers essential community education and training, advocates for effective programs and policy development, and builds strong community partnerships…to help youth thrive. FPY’s efforts in mentoring partnerships would not be possible without the continued support of our dedicated sponsors. For more information or to become a sponsor please contact Mary Beth Waite at Mary.Waite@FairfaxCounty.gov.

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