Soup of Success, a training program offered by Church Community Services, helps local women overcome poverty and build new lives. They join support groups, learn basic business principles, work with career counselors and gain hands-on experience as part of a gourmet food business.
Since 2004, they've also worked closely with mentors -- a vital part of the program.
Kathy Peterson, a mentor and graduate coordinator, explained to a Truth reporter that SOS participants often need to replace long-standing relationships with new ones in order to grow. That's where mentors come in.
"You have to have people who keep interacting with you in a way that's nurturing," Peterson said. "Mentors are a big part of that."
The mentoring doesn't necessarily end when a woman graduates from SOS. Of the more than 60 matches established since 2004, 15 continue. Many mentors tell Peterson that they benefit from the relationships, as well.
Or, as one mentor said, "It's worth the risk and it's worth the effort."
A new training session for mentors begins soon. Take the risk. Make the effort.
By mentoring at Soup Of Success, you can help women and their families avoid the need for public assistance. You can help them become self-sufficient.
You can help them build better lives, and that makes the entire community stronger.