SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Playing games is one of the ways Christy Williams connects with the student she mentors at Axtell Park in the Sioux Falls School District.
She’s a mentor through Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota.
“We have anywhere from in-depth conversations to checking out things in their classroom or throughout the school, things they’re working on. Also, just chit-chat about movies,” Williams said.
LSS provides mentors to schools in eastern South Dakota, mostly in Lincoln and Minnehaha Counties.
But right now, more people like Williams are needed to help out.
“There is a big need for mentors. We’re still recovering on some of the post-COVID decline in volunteering. We are seeing students who just want to have someone show up for them, want to have someone who is there who can be a friend, a support, and bright spot during their school week,” LSS Senior Director of Community Services Madsen said.
Madsen says mentors can make a difference in students’ lives.
“There’s a lot of research that shows if a student is mentored it will lead to improved school attendance, improved school engagement, engagement in the community, a better understanding of civics and community,” Madsen said.
Williams spends about 40 minutes a week as a volunteer mentor.
She says the mentees may not be the only ones who benefit from the program.
“It helps the mentor just as much as it helps the student,” Williams said.
If you want to apply to be a mentor, click here.
