Washington, DC – Speaking at a New Orleans training program, leaders of two federal agencies said faith- and community-based institutions are helping to bring more mentors into the lives of at-risk children and called for more adult volunteers to guide young people toward success.

David Eisner, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, said the federal government is committed to assisting faith-based agencies as they train mentors to serve vulnerable children. Speaking during a three-day training that concluded Wednesday, he pointed out that 43 percent of Americans who mentor youth come through religious organizations.

“The highest proportion of our mentors comes from the faith-based community, and we are here to support their efforts to help children,” said Eisner, whose agency oversees Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America. “When mentors give their time and talent, they can make a difference that will pay off when children grow and make critical decisions that determine their future.”

The training, “Mobilizing New Mentors... Through Faith- and Community-Based Collaborations,” was hosted by MentorYouth.com, a division of National Network of Youth Ministries; and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice; and the Faith-Based and Community Initiative of the Corporation. MentorYouth.com exists to enlist, encourage, equip and empower adults in the church and community to become mentors to youth.

The three-day program was held at Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans and brought distinguished mentorship trainers to the Crescent City to help faith- and community-based organizations improve their ability to find and train mentors for children in need. Topics included “The Power of Faith- and Community-Based Collaborations,” “Mentor Recruitment Ambassador Strategy,” “How Faith- and Community-Based Organizations Benefit the Other,” and “Mentoring Children of Prisoners”

J. Robert Flores, Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, added: "Research confirms that when we connect a caring adult to a child, we see positive change in that child’s life. This is important if we are to protect children from harm and lower their future risk of delinquency. The faith-based and community organizations that provide and train mentors have responded to the President’s call to help improve their community and this makes us a stronger nation.”

The Corporation for National and Community Service improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. Each year, the Corporation provides opportunities for 1.5 million Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their communities and country through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America. For more information, go to http://www.nationalservice.gov.

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