Youth center seeks out teens to mentor

Newton - High school students are needed to mentor third- through fifth-grade students at the Center for Youth in Newton. The center is an after-school program of the Center for Prevention and Counseling and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sussex County. The program, offered at no charge, is open to third-, fourth-, or fifth-grade students. Caring mentor relationships, provided by trained high school volunteers, offer a creative, interactive and supportive environment for students after school. “It’s a safe haven for children to go to after school is over for the day,” said Emily DiPaolo, a mentor for the center. “They don’t have to worry about being bullied, ridiculed, teased, or harassed by their peers. I have never seen a child walk through the doors without a smile on his or her face.” A sample of clubs offered at Center for Youth includes arts and crafts, girl power, team building, martial arts, and super science. Mentors help the students with various club activities and are needed one day per week. “Center for Youth is committed to building on the potential and strengths of student members through asset building, enabling the kids to gain confidence and make healthy lifestyle decisions,” said Natalie Yanoff, staff member at the center. The Center for Prevention and Counseling is a non-profit agency that serves the needs of Sussex County residents with a variety of programs focused on substance abuse prevention and counseling. For information, call 973-383-4787 or 973-948-4149.