Kansas City Seeking Mentors for Over 300 Students
Kansas City, Mo. — It’s a vibrant time here in KC, but there’s an urgent call from the community that needs some serious attention. The Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) are currently looking for mentors, and here’s the kicker: there are over 300 students who are eager to have someone in their corner, yet there just aren’t enough mentors to go around.
Why Mentorship Matters
One of the mentors on the ground, Reginald Ramsey, has been dedicating his time to this cause for more than five years now. He’s seen first-hand the positive changes that mentoring can bring to a child’s life. “Over the years, I’ve seen those students get better academically and in their behavior in school,” he explained with a sense of pride. It’s clear that the impact of mentorship goes beyond grades; it’s also about helping kids feel valued and supported.
Reginald knows just how vital it is for students to feel they have someone rooting for them. He reflects on his own experience: “I had a basketball coach who was there for me, and now I want to pay that forward.” It’s this kind of heartfelt connection that can really make a difference in the lives of young people.
The Call for More Mentors
Kansas City is reaching out to the community, urging more people to step up and become mentors. As violence among teens and young adults continues to rise, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas highlights the critical need for programs that provide support. “When the community asks what can be done to help, a program like this can make a big impact,” he stated during a recent community discussion.
Mayor Lucas emphasized that the individuals needing help aren’t necessarily those who have made poor choices already, but rather young people who just need opportunities and guidance. “They are not criminals; they are individuals who, at some point, had the chance to choose a different path,” he noted. His focus is on prevention through mentorship and giving kids the support they need to succeed.
Community Solutions Over Temporary Fixes
In a recent town hall meeting, there were suggestions about involving the National Guard to help with policing in Kansas City. However, Mayor Lucas took a firm stance, expressing that this isn’t a long-term solution. “It makes a lot more sense for us to aim for thousands of mentors in Kansas City. We want to uplift our community rather than just providing a security band-aid,” he said.
This passion for mentorship is echoed by many in the area who believe that having role models can lead to a significant reduction in crime and a brighter future for young people. Consistency and availability are what these kids need, and that’s what mentors can provide.
How to Get Involved
If you’ve ever considered becoming a mentor, now is the time! With more than 300 children waiting for someone to guide them, your contribution could change lives. Whether you have previous experience or just the heart to help, every bit counts!
For anyone interested in joining this important cause, information on how to become a mentor is available through the KCPS website. Even an hour a week can make a world of difference to a child in need.
Conclusion
As we enjoy the beautiful fall days that Kansas City has to offer, let’s keep our young ones in mind. With each effort we make to support our youth, we are all a step closer to a brighter future for Kansas City. So why not consider the powerful impact you could have? Every child deserves someone to believe in them, and you could be that someone!
