The plan for this column starting back in June was to discuss and explore ONE ASSET each week/column. This week we were supposed to look at Asset #3 (Other Adult Relationships) but when considering the kick off of the P.I.E. Mentoring Program this RTMSD school year, the discussion simply has to include other assets. So, we will be getting more than we bargained for in this piece, only because of the extraordinary way that the P.I.E. Mentoring Program will affect our community. Let’s get started!
 
In the EXTERNAL ASSETS category we start with Asset #3, as mentioned above, but then we must include #4 (Caring Neighborhood), #14 (Adult Role Model), #16 (High Expectations) and #17 (Creative Activities).
 
In the INTERNAL ASSETS category we must look at Assets #21 (Achievement Motivation), #26 (Caring Attitude), #28 (Personal Integrity), #30 (Responsibility), #33 (Interpersonal Competence), #37 (Positive Self Esteem) and finally #40 (Positive View of Personal Future).
 
A bit too much? It sure is, and that is why the P.I.E. Mentoring Program is exciting! In this one program there will be so many opportunities for children and adults, parents and community leaders, school staff and families to bond and be changed forever. This is not “Pie in the Sky” thinking- it is good, solid social science and if we all could remember a significant adult from our childhood, we will agree that a mentor is a good thing! The P.I.E. Mentors who have volunteered and been trained to be our pioneers in this endeavor, are men and women, all different ages, backgrounds, skills and cultural heritages, with one important passion- they want to be a positive influence for a child. How amazing is this! The P.I.E. Students are brand new 9th graders in Penncrest High School who will now benefit from these incredible adults and feel empowered, strong, valued and important during this very special journey they will start in a few weeks. Their bond with the adults will last four years as they attend high school, and hopefully will build into a relationship for life. The P.I.E. Mentors are honored to be part of this outreach and the students are actually a little nervous, and why not? But, with the support of the Rocky Run YMCA and their skilled staff, the school district who will be there to counsel and support, and the HCI folks who will continue to provide resources, guidance and trainings for the program, it is a win-win for everyone!
 
To learn about Assets, the P.I.E. Mentoring Program, and other HCI outreach, visit www.hci-rtm.org or call Dana Riker, HCI President at 610-566-8272 or Martha Grieco, HCI Project Coordinator at 610-891-6286. Thanks so much!
 
Community Resources Fair and Youth Presentation on the Survey Results
Save the Date!!!!