Greensboro's 100 Males Mentoring Program Nears Goal

A new initiative in Greensboro is pairing male mentors with local boys in need of guidance. The 100 Males Mentoring program kicked off in January. It's a collaboration between the city and United Way of Greater Greensboro to enlist 100 volunteers in 100 days.

The mentoring itself varies from showing up to school and sharing lunch, to taking a local youth to enjoy a new activity or providing a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in the workplace.

Marketing and Communications Vice President Michael Cottingham says the benefits to young boys who participate are far-reaching.

"We know that mentors can play powerful roles in providing youth with tools that help them make responsible choices," says Cottingham. "And that helps them attend school, that helps them avoid some of the things that youth who might not have that caring adult may get caught up in."  

At the half-way point, roughly 40 more men are being sought to serve as mentors. City Manager David Parrish says he is confident in reaching the goal. Sign-ups are available online at United Way of Greater Greensboro.