Above: This year’s version of Project Friend and the new “Project Friend Plus” are explained in a video by Southborough Access Media.
Every year, Southborough Youth and Family Services runs a Project Friend program. The program pairs younger and older “Friends” to help build positive meaningful relationships.
Over the years the program has changed and grown to better fit kids’ and mentors’ needs and interests. This year, some age ranges have shifted and a previous change is getting clearer promotion.
The program that pairs young adults with adults includes an added benefit. The “Plus” pairs work together on community service projects.
Project Friend organizers are again encouraging applicants for mentors and for being mentored. SYFS is seeking volunteers grades 7-12 and adults who want to be positive role models. (For students, the program allows them to fulfill community service hours.) They are also seeking families with K- 12th graders who would benefit from some special attention, a mentor, and positive role model.
Each group pairs individuals from two age groups to form a friendship. Participants are matched one to one according to age, gender, personality, and interests. All pairs meet at the same scheduled time and are supervised and coordinated by SYFS staff. Pairs will enjoy activities and discussion as they develop their relationship. Training is provided for the older age group in each pairing.
There are choices of half year or full year commitments (mid-Nov to mid-Feb or late May. For the schedule details, click on thumbnails below right.)
Here are SYFS’s descriptions broken out by age group:
Project Friend: K-5th grade Little Friends with 7th- 12th grade Big Friends; Wednesday evenings, weekly
This group utilizes recreational activities to facilitate relationship building between the pairs. “Big Friends” are offered training that focuses on positive youth development, social skills, and how to be a positive role model. The “Little Friends” benefit from the relationship and special undivided attention of their Big Friend, while having the opportunity to interact with their same age peers with that support present.
Project Friend Plus: 6th-12th grade youth partners with adult partners age 21+; Wednesday afternoons, two times per month
This group has a community service focus where youth partners and adult partners work together on service projects that benefit human service agencies and organizations in and around Southborough. The partnership between the youth and adult fosters community building and positive youth development.
Anyone interested in either the full year or fall program should register by October 26th. To sign up or learn more, contact Meaghan (McCarthy) Eiland at 508-481-5676 x 2 or meiland@southboroughma.com.
To register, click here for SYFS’ online program registration form. You can also find a printable/mailable form in SYFS program guide (plus read about other services they offer) here.
