MentorNC

June 2009
Volume 5, Issue 2

Finding Common Ground

Governor Bev Perdue

Every kid deserves a chance for a bright future regardless of their background. By mentoring, you can provide our kids and students with the support, friendship and positive example to help bring out their strengths and put them on the path to success. As a mentor, you have the opportunity to help a child grow and to give back to your community.

This edition of MentorNC highlights stories of people who have been positively impacted by their mentors. From Murphy to Manteo, these stories reflect the different challenges that children can overcome and possibilities they can find with the help of a mentor.

I want to thank the many North Carolina citizens who are investing their hearts, talents and time in mentoring relationships all across the state, and I encourage everyone to become a mentor. Mentoring is a two-way street – as our young people grow and flourish, so do the people who help show them the way.

Sincerely,

Bev Perdue

Wilkes County Mentor

CIS of Wilkes County honored Phill Caudill with the April Mentor of the month award. Caudill is employed at Wilkes Community College and attends Roaring River Methodist Church. Phill has been a mentor in the Friends of Youth program for 13 years! During those thirteen years he has mentored ten youngsters. Phill is always lending a hand to folks in his community and is very active in Make a Difference Day.

As busy as Phill is, he makes time in his life for his mentee Jessie. Some of the things Phill and Jessie enjoy doing together are going to church and movies, walking, going out to eat and shopping. Jessie always appreciates the time they spend together. Caudill and Jessie have been a part of the CIS team for over a year. When asked what he likes about CIS, Phill said “The program is very rewarding to me as well as to the youth. It’s good to learn from each other. Every child needs someone in their life to spend time with, to encourage with positive attention and provide opportunities for growth.” Phill went on to say that the best part of being a mentor is that Jessie has hope for the future - and he shares the opportunities of life with him.