recruit, connect with and direct caring adults to community-based
organizations and institutions supporting our vulnerable students is
moving forward in Charlotte. The National CARES Mentoring Movement is
helping to fill in the gap by recruiting and connecting adults with
children.
Charlotte CARES will operate in Mecklenburg County and provide mentors
for students. Founder and CEO of National CARES Mentoring and Essence
Magazine Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Susan Taylor will talk about the
program and answer questions from the media Tuesday, Dec. 1, 9 a.m. at
Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School. She will also speak to
approximately 300 students about the importance of a mentor and
academic achievement. This event is a question-and-answer session for
the media and special guests. It is not open to the general public.
Charlotte CARES will partner with local faith institutions, schools,
businesses and organizations such as the Urban League, YMCA and 100
Black Men to recruit mentors. One thousand mentors are needed to
support the program. Charlotte CARES will create networks and connect
students with adults through existing youth-service organizations,
using one-on-one and group mentoring models.
Before mentors are matched with students, they will complete training
and a background check. To sign up as a volunteer or for more
information, visit http://caresmentoring.com/charlottecares.
National CARES began in 2006 as Essence Cares, when Taylor joined with
celebrities and leaders of the National Urban League, Children's
Defense Fund, United Negro College Fund and other organizations. The
mentoring initiative is operating in nearly 40 cities, including
Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Greensboro, New York City and Philadelphia.
