Every Tuesday afternoon, Bev and Steve Ross ride up to a Federal Way school where they meet with their respective mentees for 50 very important minutes.

This year, they will continue with their same students who are now attending middle school.

Communities In Schools of Federal Way matches community members with students who benefit from some extra encouragement to stay in school and do well.

As they engage in word games, cards games, and crafts, Bev and her mentee chat about the week’s events. Bev demonstrates a steady interest in her mentee’s abilities and achievements. She serves as an understanding and supportive sounding board.

Steve and his mentee play cards and chat about the week’s events. The calm and consistent companionship with a special male role model is valuable for his mentee as he moves toward adulthood.

As they begin their second year of mentoring, Steve and Bev will continue to be positive influences. Their presence will help two young students to grow in self-esteem and to take the steps that will lead to graduation and ongoing success in life. Mentors find the weekly sessions to be quite “do-able” and rewarding.

There is currently a waiting list of young students needing mentors. Male mentors are especially needed. Please consider finding out more about this important nonprofit organization serving Federal Way students.

You can attend information or training sessions to learn more. There is most likely a school near you that needs mentors, and you can make a significant difference in the life of a young person.

Learn more

Upcoming training sessions include noon to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 18; 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 19; 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 17; and noon to 1:30 p.m. Oct 18.  All sessions are at 31919 1st Avenue South, Suite 202, Federal Way, WA 98003.

For further information, contact Jennifer Youngblood, Mentor Program Coordinator, at (253) 528-0847 or (253) 670-2390. Also visit www.federalway.ciswa.org.