At Middletown Township’s Pride Day event recently held on the Williamson School Campus, there were children lining up with dollars in their hands, waiting to take their turn in the Money Vault, set up by Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union (FMFCU). All donations that day went to Healthy Communities Initiative (HCI) for the P.I.E. Mentoring Program.

What is P.I.E.???? It is a mentoring program with a focus on character building and relationships, but in a workplace setting with exposure to career-building skills and experiences. HCI has partnered with the Rocky Run YMCA and Rose Tree Media School District in an unusual and unique project that will pair up adults in our business communities with youngsters in 8th grade. Students must be interested and motivated to succeed in high school and to continuing their education in college or a trade school. Parents have a vital role by supporting their child in the program and encouraging their commitment. The opportunity to build relationships with another adult can be rewarding and lifesaving. The adult mentors will be interviewed by the Steering Committee, carefully screened and then trained by HCI and the YMCA.

There are scholarships at the end of the students’ senior years that will be used to further their education. To build the scholarship fund, support from our community partners is vital. With the support of others like the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, the program will grow yearly so that more and more students will discover mentoring benefits. “We’re excited to help HCI in anyway we can. The mentoring program is one more way FMFCU can support the youth in our community”, said Dawn Bressler, VP and Regional Manager for FMFCU. Bressler is also a Board Member of HCI and has agreed to provide a mentor for the P.I.E. Program from their employee ranks.

"I am very excited and passionate about this Mentoring Program and thankful for our partnerships with the YMCA and RTMSD and for organizations such as the FMFCU. Their support is critical to the success of the program. I also know how much Mentors made a difference in my life. Another point to consider is that the P.I.E. program addresses needs revealed in a recent Search Institute Asset Survey taken by 7-12 grade students in the Rose Tree Media School District." Dana Riker, HCI President

There is a Town Meeting being planned for late Fall to reveal and discuss those results of the Search Institute survey. The continuing support for HCI and all its programs and outreach will have great benefits to the entire community, not only youth. As the culture changes to recognizing that each and every person has a role to play in the future of our world, the HCI message of building assets will be the mantra for all. To learn more about HCI visit the website at www.hci-rtm.org