Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Mentoring Month

Floor Speech

SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH -- (Extensions of Remarks - January 29, 2008)

HON. JOHN B. LARSON
OF CONNECTICUT
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2008

* Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, throughout the month of January, we observe National Mentoring Month, which calls to attention the importance of fostering positive, helping relationships with our youth. I rise today to recognize the importance of mentoring to the vitality of our Nation.

* According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, there are 3 million mentors in the United States. While impressive at first glance, the reality is, there are far more young people in need of the caring support of an adult mentor that go without one--over 14 million youths across the Nation are still in need of a mentoring relationship.

* I would like to commend the many community-based organizations in the Greater Hartford region, in my own State of Connecticut that provide mentoring services and youth focused programs like the Community Renewal Team, Hartford Communities that Care, Mi Casa Family Services and Education Center and Our Piece of the Pie. These groups partner with local, State and non-profit organizations to ensure the positive development of the young people in my district.

* Madam Speaker, on behalf of the many youths in need of encouragement and support, the many adults who are engaged in mentoring activities, and the organizations that work tirelessly to close the mentoring gap, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking mentors across the country and recognizing National Mentoring Month.

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