Janene has been chosen as the mentor of the month for May 2024. Janene is a teacher at O’Neill Elementary School.
Janene and TayLee have been matched for three years. It was easy for them to meet each week when TayLee was at the Elementary School. This year, TayLee is a 7th grader and so Janene rearranged her schedule to travel to the Junior High during Tay:ee’s study hall. When either is unable to meet on the day they planned, they have been able to reschedule it for another day that week.
One of the activities they do together is crafts. TayLee enjoys showing Janene various crafts they can make together. They also enjoy completing word puzzles together. They have lots of common interests to talk about, including sports and school activities. Janene supports TayLee in her school activities.
They take part in TeamMates organized activities such as cookie decorating, pumpkin decorating, and pizza parties at the end of the year. They have also gone on several bus trips together. Recently they enjoyed the Husker Red-White spring game in Lincoln.
Janene reports that being a mentor has been very enjoyable for her and she encourages others to become a TeamMates mentor. She adds that it is very rewarding to be a positive role model for a young person.
There are several other young people who are waiting for a mentor. If you are an adult who wants to make a difference in a youth’s life and can meet a youth for at least a half hour most weeks during school hours, contact the Holt County TeamMates Program Coordinator, Amy Shane, at 402-340-3126 or amyshane81@gmail.com.
