This letter was submitted to the Gunnison Times this week by our board president–

This past Saturday, I joined Partners Executive Director Tina McGuinness, her junior partner Mechala, and mentoring representatives from Delta, Montrose and Ouray, for a breakfast with Governor Hickenlooper. We had a great time sharing stories and highlighting the positive role mentoring has in our communities. The governor also presented the group with a proclamation, declaring January as “Celebrate Mentoring Month” in Colorado. Included in the proclamation are statements like:

WHEREAS, mentors, backed by quality mentoring programs, play a powerful role in preventing substance abuse and youth violence, as well as boosting academic achievement and workforce readiness; and

WHEREAS, mentors help ensure that Colorado’s children will grow to their full potential as the next generation of leaders, helping to secure the future of this state and nation; and…

On behalf of the Board of Directors for Gunnison Country Partners, I’d like to thank everyone who participates in and supports our local Partners program. Our success would not be possible without so many of you in the valley…and our very dedicated staff!

Yet, even with steady programmatic growth over the past seven years, at least 25 youth between Lake City and Crested Butte await senior partners. Maybe this is the year YOU become a positive force in another kid’s life! We need you.

To learn more about mentoring–and all the things we accomplish every month–please visit www.gunnisonmentors.com or call the office at 641-5513. Join in the celebration and power of mentoring!

Terry Schliesman
President, Partners Board of Directors