Page 17 - YBBBS Annual Report 2021A

A Word From Our Board Chairperson Workplace Mentoring: A Crucial Need in 2022 & Beyond

As the #1 mentoring agency in Yavapai County, we are
Aloha Friends, proud to join our community’s conversation recognizing DISENGAGED YOUTH
Our 2022 that education and training are the foundations of These youth are between 16 and 24 and they are
As the APS Community Affairs thriving communities. not in school and they are not working. The reasons
Manager for the NW Division Board of Directors can vary: societal, familial, financial, educational,
of APS, I have a unique The agency is in the planning stages of implementing a personal.
perspective to see mentoring in Darla DeVille, Chairperson program for college or trade-career readiness, extending
action every day. APS our reach to 18- to 24-year-olds. Many can’t find work because they lack the skills
required in this job market. Cost is also a roadblock
Whether I’m attending a city Dane Beck, Treasurer “This year we will be expanding into workforce to post-secondary job training or college.
council meeting or Beck Legacy Group development programming to include those young
supporting our nonprofits as a adults entering the workforce by professionally and • 5.5 million U.S. youth in this age group are
board member, I witness John Scholl, Program Chair strategically creating and aiding mentor relationships considered disengaged.
leaders mentoring future Superintendent, CVUSD through partnerships with local businesses, high
leaders, staff mentoring schools, and colleges or vocational institutions,” said • 12% in this age group are considered disengaged
new hires, teachers mentoring students, business owners Wendy Ross, Secretary Erin Mabery, Executive Director of YBBBS. youth in Arizona:
mentoring young entrepreneurs, and more. Yavapai County – 12% are Black
“We have recognized that positive mentoring impacts – 14% are Latino
Mentoring at all age levels is the necessary thread that can knit Todd Klein, Past Chairperson the ability to break the cycle of systemic poverty and – 9% are White
a strong bond throughout a community, helping it to thrive! As Klein Properties and Investments the resulting social implications. Our program also
the Chairperson of the Board of Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters, adds a layer of protection for children who have become • In Yavapai County: 11% of youth in this age group
I wholeheartedly agree with our vision that mentoring allows Geoff Hyland increasingly disconnected from their normal supports. are considered disengaged.
everyone to achieve their full potential. Providing mentoring Remax Mountain Properties These things together help create a net for catching
that is professional, intentional, and meaningful is the guiding youth to assist them in becoming productive and – Sources: Measure of America and Opportunity Nation
principle of this agency, not only for youth but for the young Veronica Aguilera participatory citizens, parents and employees.”
adults who are entering our local workforce. Wisepath Financial Group

As we move forward with a goal to provide life skills and Toni Jarnagin Our Mission in Action: Meet Vivianita & Phyllis
mentoring beyond high school, I’m reminded how fortunate Owner, Source One Supply
I was to have strong mentors as parents. They were kind,
loving, and respectful, but at the same time, they provided Sherri Pimental Vivianita was a Little Sister matched with Rather, I think, from day one in our
strict guidelines and expectations. Sales & Marketing, Service Master Big Sister Phyllis since she was 6. She relationship, we talked about the future,
credits her Big Sister with encouraging her potential. I took every appropriate
At YBBBS, we recognize that not all children are able to have Guy Roginson her to further her education after high opportunity to praise her for good
that unique combination of guidance in their formative years. Executive Editor, Talking Glass Media school. efforts in school, good decision making,
That’s where our services come into play. During the pandemic, and, achieving in the face of difficulty. I
we provided families with much-needed resources to survive, “I’ve always wanted to be in the medical reminded her that hard work pays off,
but we also provided critical mentoring to children whose field, I just didn’t know what department. that when there is competition for jobs,
worlds changed overnight. Our BIG mentors stepped up to the Verde Valley Once I went with my sister to her admission to school programs and such,
challenge, as did our valued staff. Community Board ultrasound appointment with her son, I she would stand out. I think I saw myself
was very intrigued. I looked up all the ins as her cheerleader. I attended many
As we look forward to 2022 and beyond, we promise our and outs of the job and reached out to a few ultrasound school open houses, most of her athletic events, and,
community and YOU that we will continue to be BIG, David Johnson techs to see how they liked their job and then I just often went on field trips.
PROFESSIONAL, INTENTIONAL, and MEANINGFUL as we applied,” shared Vivianita. “Phyllis was also a nurse so
mentor the youth of Yavapai County. David Biermann she gave me a lot of great advice about the medical Vivianita was the recipient of the Platt Family
field. She has been very helpful in all my achievements Scholarship for Verde Valley students and this enabled
Stay safe and take care! Shelly Kitchen throughout the years.” her to enroll in the West Coast Ultrasound Institute.
She will graduate in April 2023.
Aloha, Chuck Mitchell Phyllis shared that, “as her mentor we did have
Darla conversations about career choices. These “Without her positive influence, I’m not sure I’d be
conversations did not start when she was a teenager. where I am today,” said Vivianita.
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