By Carla Lisio*

In ancient Greek myth, Odysseus entrusted his friend Mentor with the responsibility of educating his son while he was away. The Mentoring Program at MHA of Westchester serves a similar function for families experiencing overwhelming challenges. The uniqueness of this program lies in its commitment to serving youth who are seriously emotionally disturbed, developmentally delayed and/or at risk of, or are currently in foster care. As the director of clinical services, I have watched this unusual and remarkable program evolve. Now, as a result of state and county cut backs, the $38,000 necessary to run this program no longer exists. The dollars may seem few as the nation now speaks of millions, billions and trillions, but the human impact now and down the line, is incalculable.

Jack and Anthony typify the MHA of Westchester's mentor relationship. Jack's father died unexpectedly a year ago when he was 11. His mother was overwhelmed with shock, grief and the sudden responsibility of raising her two children alone. Even before his father's death, Jack struggled with behavioral challenges. After his father's death, his situation escalated out of control. Jack lied, cut school, became a target for bullying, chose other children in trouble for friends, destroyed property when angry, and even hit his mother.

Unlike the children in traditional mentor programs, children with Jack's issues might not develop new relationships easily. Their families are often unable to rely on traditional supports which are not designed for the emotional or behavioral challenges our program meets. The children in our mentoring program arrive with a multitude of problems that are often considered criteria for exclusion (truancy, aggression, victims as well as targets of bullying, or other behaviors such as fire-setting or sexual acting out) in traditional school, community or faith-based initiatives. Because MHA of Westchester does not rule out children with these behaviors, it may be their last chance to find help before more restrictive (i.e., residential or jail), and expensive interventions are tried.

MHA's program was established in 1998 by a board member and funded through the County Youth Bureau to serve 20 Westchester youth with comprehensive support to the youngster and family along with the mentor.

Mentors like Anthony receive comprehensive training to work most effectively with these children in need. Research has shown that professional staff involvement and support groups are especially critical for mentors whose youth have greater personal, financial and social problems. The special challenges of these youngsters means mentor supervision occurs more frequently than in more traditional programs. Meetings are held to share success stories along with best practices, and resolve any difficulties they may be having in establishing a positive, trusting relationship. Crisis services SUCH AS? are available through MHA should there be a need. Finally, funds are available to assist children attend camp or for other needs such as clothing, sporting events, or school supplies. Funding has also been used to provide an annual group outing or to supplement mentors' contributions to the financial burden of activities.

Mentors came to MHA of Westchester after presentations at local colleges, job fairs, community groups, or through information on our website. Potential mentors possess the ability to consistently provide reliable, dependable contact along with an open, flexible attitude to which children can easily relate. Careful screening includes an extensive interview, in addition to reference and background checks for criminal and/or child abuse and fingerprinting required by the Save Mentoring Act. We are looking for the mentor's ability to make a long-term commitment and to form a caring, positive bond with the person he or she will be working with. Before they meet, they participate in orientation with training paring them for their role to help them understand the needs of the youth they will be mentoring.

This is how we paired Jack with Anthony, an extraordinary 24-year-old man. He realized he had received many good things in life and wanted to help someone less fortunate. After multiple interviews, background checks, and initial training, Anthony became Jack's mentor, a consistent presence in Jack's life, a positive role model ready to weather whatever obstacles or objections Jack might present.

And present them he did. Jack had to learn to trust Anthony's steady reliability. Jack had to learn that trips to go apple picking, the aquarium, cultural events at a local college, SUNY Purchase, and to an amusement park were all ways to connect to someone who would never be his father but who but someone who could be there nevertheless.

Anthony had to learn that Jack would often rebuff his offerings but that this was not personal and that perseverance was exactly what Jack needed from him - someone to stick around. The two have come to rely on each other and care for each other.

Despite the positive role it played in the lives of families like Jack's, the mentoring program has become a casualty of cost-saving budget cuts. The $38,000 budget paid for a part-time coordinator to screen and match mentors and children, and to supervise and support mentors through challenging circumstances.

When the funding was cut, our agency was forced to close the program to new referrals. The coordinator was devastated. These families were not mere numbers to her - they were real people who would suffer real consequences without this program. Since then she offered to volunteer her time to maintain the relationships that currently exist. Jack and Anthony will continue on. But there are hundreds of Jacks and many people like Anthony in Westchester. For them, MHA of Westchester can no longer provide this opportunity to enrich each others' lives.

The very economic circumstances that brought this program to an end are the same that will make it more in necessary then ever because more families will be suffering the impact of a spiraling economy. The fraying support network affects our future through the likes of Jack.

* Carla Lisio is the Assistant Executive Director of MHA Westchester County. She oversees clinical services.