In 1999 school and community leaders working with children in Guilford gathered to discuss ways to support and encourage students in the crucial transition from childhood to adulthood. Representatives from the Youth and Family Services Bureau; social workers, guidance staff, administration, and several students from Guilford High School; Board of Education members; the Chief of Police; and volunteers from the Guilford Savings Bank met to explore ways to foster the positive development of children and provide a way for members of the community to reach out to children in the schools.
The result, in the spring of 2000, was Guilford Youth Mentoring, which paired adult volunteers with high school freshmen for one-one-one weekly meetings. Twelve volunteers from the Guilford Savings Bank were the pioneers. The bank, along with the Rotary, Palumbo's Automotive, Stone Insurance, Lenny & Joe's, Bishop's, Agway and Shift Cycling are among the strongest supporters of the program.
By the fall of 2005, GYM was in every school in Guilford. Through the years approximately 350 volunteers have taken part in the program. GYM has become a statewide model for collaboration, recognized by the Connecticut Mentoring Partnership and the Governor’s Prevention Partnership. Today, 165 volunteers mentor 170 children, making a difference one hour at a time.
The result, in the spring of 2000, was Guilford Youth Mentoring, which paired adult volunteers with high school freshmen for one-one-one weekly meetings. Twelve volunteers from the Guilford Savings Bank were the pioneers. The bank, along with the Rotary, Palumbo's Automotive, Stone Insurance, Lenny & Joe's, Bishop's, Agway and Shift Cycling are among the strongest supporters of the program.
By the fall of 2005, GYM was in every school in Guilford. Through the years approximately 350 volunteers have taken part in the program. GYM has become a statewide model for collaboration, recognized by the Connecticut Mentoring Partnership and the Governor’s Prevention Partnership. Today, 165 volunteers mentor 170 children, making a difference one hour at a time.
