YMCA Mentoring Program Receives a Total of $6,000 for Programming Needs

MANKATO, April 1 – The Mentoring Program at the Mankato Family YMCA was recently awarded two grants to help fund the ongoing effort to support local youth in our community. Grants were given by the Mankato Area Foundation and the Consolidated Communications Community Fund of the Mankato Area Foundation.

The Consolidated Communications Community Fund awarded $4,000 to the YMCA Brother/Sister Mentoring program. The grant monies support all program efforts including mentor networking, recruiting and retention of mentors and mentor appreciation.

The Mankato Area Foundation awarded $2,000 to the YMCA Mentoring Program which will be used for Match and Group Mentoring Activities. These funds will allow the mentoring program to hold monthly match activities and group activities for participants of the mentoring programs. These activities are a fun social opportunity where mentors and mentees gather to build upon their positive relationship.

“The consequences of the pandemic and economic downturn has caused social, emotional and financial hardships for many in our community.  The support of these community grants enables us to meet the needs of our program participants and for that we are grateful”, said Tom Schueneman, Director of Social Responsibility for Mankato Family YMCA.

The YMCA Mentoring Program creates a unique bridge connecting caring adult mentors to youth. Mentors help youth increase their self-confidence, social and communications skills, positive behaviors and help improve relationships at home, school and within the community. Through the YMCA Mentoring Programs, over 150 youth have been supported over the past year