Making a Difference
Looking back on my experiences over the past four
years with Pathways, I do not even hesitate to say
that it has
been one of the defining experiences of my life so
far. Not only have I learned more than I ever could
have imagined
from the children I have mentored, but I also gained
many invaluable skills from the Lead Mentor Program
itself. I came into the program enthusiastic but
unsure, an experienced mentor, but without any
knowledge of
what I was getting myself into. I had held a few minor
leadership positions before, but I did not realize how
much a group of people as small and seemingly
unimportant as our own could do.
To say that we've accomplished a lot would be an
understatement. During the two years that I have been
here,
the Lead Mentors have written petitions, helped with
fundraisers, sent countless letters to government
officials,
written grants, organized and spoken at two state-wide
conferences, at one of which we had Erin Gruwell of
Freedom
Writers fame speak, and much more. I grew from a shy,
quiet, unassuming girl into a major participant in an
organization that was actually propagating change. I
think, without a doubt, that this was one of the
biggest effects
that Pathways for Exceptional Children had on me.
Through this organization, I did not only learn the
qualities of empathy and sensitivity. I did not only
learn the happiness that comes from changing another
person's
life for the better. I did not only learn that
community service is not a chore, not something we
should be
forced to do, but something that is as gratifying for
the helper as it is for the helped. I learned
something much
greater, something that I will carry with me for the
rest of my life. I learned that we can make a
difference.
~Becky
Bianco, Lead Mentor
First things first:
It’s that time of the year again. Before you can
participate in any Pathways programs, we must have
a signed permission slip.
To
download a permission slip, click here. Print it
and fill it out, include parent or
guardian signature, and mail to:
Pathways, c/o Tracey Hanna, 16 John St., Pine
Brook, NJ 07058.
Current
activities for Mentors
For this
month's Mentor Newsletter, click here.
The mentor newsletter
lists current activities and
programs. Contact Tracey Hanna,
tracey.hanna@verizon.net or
call
201-401-9746 to sign up for programs.
Please do not come to programs without signing up
in advance. We cannot guarantee that you will be able
to participate if your name is not on the sign-up
list.
Lead Mentor 2008/2009 applications due
September 3
This is an opportunity to be involved at the forefront of
Pathways. Mentors entering 6th grade or above
can
apply to this program. Once selected, you will attend
Pathways leadership meetings once a month for
formal training in developing leadership
abilities, designing innovative programs for
children with disabilities, creating flyers,
logos, web pages and newsletters. You will
learn skills and techniques of public speaking,
writing grants, fundraising, and publishing
articles in the media. Lead mentors choose
individual projects that provide hands-on
experience in areas of leadership, education,
recreation, and social reform. The program also offers an opportunity to receive a post-secondary
scholarship. The term
runs from September 2008 to September 2009.
Visit the Lead
Mentor page for more information about their
exciting projects.
The application deadline has been extended
to September 3, 2008. If you are unable to
get your written recommendation by this date,
please send your application and follow up with
your recommendation when you get it. We will
accept written recommendations until
September 15.
Click here for an application.
New Pathways Hotline: 973-331-3366
Yucky
weather? School closed? Early dismissal? Not sure
if a program will run?
Call
our hotline 973-331-3366 for a recorded message
that will let you know if the program scheduled
for that day will be taking place.
Pathways Home-Based Buddies Program
There
are many special children in our community who would
love to spend time with you! In this "one-on-one"
program, you meet with a child with special
needs on an ongoing basis for play dates, to be a
companion for activities, or a
homework buddy. The parent/guardian of that child will
be present to supervise and provide you with training
on what to do for
their child. Contact Tracey Hanna at
tracey.hanna@verizon.net or
201-401-9746 for this program.
Program times and
locations are subject to change. Please check this
page for updates.
