Community News

Mentoring program gets under way

The Mentees, from left, Adam Bishop, Lasianna Davis, Kevianna Silar, Tanae Hollinger, Samarion Clark, Tyquez Thomas, Cameron Pickett, Jahmesha Russell; back, Trajon Hollinger, Stephen Williams, Jeremiah Clack, Jahiem Bowens, LaCarlos Thomas, Akyraiha Bradley, Kaliyah Brown, Shamirica Rankins, Sasha Sumerlin, and Zarianna Robinson.
The Mentors, from left, Mayor Jim Staff, Cynthia Dailey, Robin Snider, Felicia Bishop, Karean Reynolds, Deon Gatson

Special to Atmore News

New Horizons began their first Mentoring Sessions this past Saturday at Escambia County High School.
New Horizons is a new mentoring program available in Atmore through the Children’s Policy Council that meets monthly with a Mentee class of nearly 20 or more students ages 11-16.
The first session focused on development of personal goals and achievements and choices vs. consequences.
The Mentees received a special welcome from Mayor Jim Staff as he encouraged them to be all that they can be and that there is no limit to what they can accomplish. Judge Jeff White elaborated on making choices now that will positively affect their future. Bub Gideons spoke to them about civic virtue and the importance of being involved in their community, and Pat Mason encouraged the Mentees to remain focus and committed to the opportunity of being a part of a mentoring program.
The program is facilitated by Deon Gatson, M.A., a professional therapist and founder of Compass II Life program.
Felicia Bishop, director of the program, feels New Horizons will be a great success in the development of leadership qualities among the youth in our community and is excited about the journey that has begun.
New Horizons meet every fourth Saturday of the month and will resume with Session II on November 17, 2018.