MODEL Mentoring Program helps out local children

Submitted Photo Mentor Jennifer Von Arb is helping the children decorate their gingerbread cookies.

Children's Home Society of Florida MODEL Mentoring Program is a oneto one community-based mentoring program for children who have a parent incarcerated.

They serve families in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties.

On December 9, the Hilton Garden Inn hosted and donated a Christmas party for the children that participate in the mentoring program. There were many presents, a snow machine, a gingerbread cookie decorating table, and a delightful Santa all of which brightened the holidays for the youth.

Children came with their mentors who commit to spending one hour a week with their mentees for one year. Currently, there are children on the waiting list to have a mentor. Mentors must be at least 21 and complete an application, interview and background screening.

To learn ways to participate in the MODEL Mentor Program email kathryn.larson@ chsfl.org or call 266- 2712. On the web www.chsfl.org