TeamMates fundraiser coming

Sidney’s TeamMates program is holding a fundraiser Aug. 4.

The program connects Sidney’s at-risk youth with needed mentors.

“There’s about 10,000 matches across Nebraska, Iowa and a little bit of Kansas,” Brad Sherman, TeamMates chairperson, said. “Almost every school system in Nebraska has the program in it.”

Mentors are asked for a commitment of three years, Sherman said, and meet with their youths for at least one hour a week.

Ideally, mentors are paired wth youths from the start of fifth grade through graduation.

“The main goal is to put one more positive role model in a kid’s life,” Sherman said. “Studies have shown that a mentor relationship that lasts three years is very helpful to a kid in the future, getting them into college, getting them adjusted, and things like that.”

The Sidney program restarted six years ago, Sherman said. Currently, Sidney’s TeamMates boasts 126 mentor-mentee matches.

“Every year, through attrition, mentors and mentees moving away, and the new fifth grade class coming in, we always have a need for about 20 to 30 mentors a year,” he said. “Most towns our size have about 30 to 40 matches.”

Key to becoming a mentor is being able to spare one hour a week during the day.

“Every meeting is at school, in a controlled environment, and it’s for an hour,” Sherman said. “It’s usually at lunch time. They like to do it in study halls, different times during the day.”

Mentors are paired with youths based on mutual interest, and can spend the time talking or playing games, Sherman said.

“The nice thing about it is, they do inventory of what you like to do, hobbies, interests, and we try to match people up with similar interests,” he said. “We don’t pressure them on homework or grades. It’s mainly whatever they want to do. Spend time with them, and help them develop.”

Youths benefit from having an additional positive role model in their lives, Sherman said.

“It helps them become more confident, reassured that they’re heading down the right path in life, staying out of trouble,” he said.

Mentors benefit, too, from the regular interactions.

“It’s a good feeling for both because they’re excited to see you,” he said. “Sometimes I get called away and I have to miss a meeting here and there. It’s just as tough on us as it is on them when we don’t get to meet.”

Youths also have access to scholarships exclusive to the TeamMates program.

“For a kid going through the program, not only do you get that relationship, that sort of benefit from it, you also benefit financially with scholarships,” Sherman said.

This year’s fundraiser with be held at Sidney’s Elks Lodge and feature Dueling Duos, a piano group.

“When you suggest a song, they know what it is and they can play it without looking at sheet music,” Sherman said. “They bring people up to dance and sing with them. A lot of crowd participation.”

He added, “It’s a pretty good time.”

The funds raised will go toward scholarships for the program’s 2019 graduates.

To become a TeamMates member and/or donate to the program, visit http://teammates.org/become-a-mentor/apply/

Tickets for the dinner are $75 per person or $65 for current mentors and any new applicants.

For tickets, contact Brad Sherman, fundraising coordinator, at (308) 249-2321.