2020 was an incredibly challenging year for everyone, especially our youth. From 100 percent remote to hybrid learning, parents facing unemployment and a sudden reduction in income, food insecurity, loss of loved ones to Covid-19, social distancing and all the other impacts of the pandemic, providing support and guidance to our youth became more important than ever.  

In the month of January, the Danbury Student and Business Connection (DSABC) observed the 19th annual National Mentoring Month by inviting the community to celebrate those who have helped shape the lives of young adults.   

"Every January, DSABC recognizes the value of and expresses gratitude for our mentors during National Mentoring Month,” said Ellen Meyst, executive director of DSABC. “This past year has been filled with hardship and challenges for everyone, but our youth are particularly vulnerable. Students are feeling disengaged, anxious and isolated. We need mentoring now more than ever, and the efforts of our mentors have never been more impactful."

Thinking of a mentor as an extended family member, someone the adolescent can see as a positive role model and a guide, quality mentoring relationships help youth develop and achieve positive academic, career and personal goals.  

According to The Mentoring Effect, a national report, young people who have mentors are 55 percent more likely to be enrolled in or actively planning for college, 78 percent more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities and more than twice as likely to say they held a leadership position in a club or sports team.  

Although the pandemic has caused challenges, many mentors were able to successfully switch to a virtual format. DSABC continually seeks new volunteers to help expand the mentoring movement in Danbury.

To learn more about DSABC and the role mentoring plays in our community, please visit dsabcmentors.org or email contact@dsabcmentors.org.