COACH Kids of Clinton County Inc. is pleased to announce it has received a $5,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation. These funds will support the Local Heroes school-based mentoring program in all four of the Clinton County public school systems. Local Heroes provides an opportunity for both adults and high school students to mentor at-risk elementary school students in the schools.
Local Heroes serves over 130 elementary students all over Clinton County. School-based youth mentoring helps improve student’s classroom behavior, builds self-esteem and self-control. Meeting with a mentor encourages school attendance in a group of students that might otherwise struggle with everyday attendance. Grant funding helps provide recruitment, training for mentors, resources for successful relationships and active supervision of high school and adult mentors, as well as background checks and online safety training. Mentors meet with their student for at least 30 minutes a week throughout the school year, usually during lunch or another appropriated time to play board games, talk and grow a safe and compassionate relationship.
COACH Kids is made possible by United Way for Clinton County, as well as other corporate partners, churches, civic organizations, as well as many dedicated individuals who give of their resources and their time.
“COACH Kids cannot thank Duke Energy enough for their desire to inspire and lift up the youth of Clinton County through youth mentoring. It takes everyone lending a hand, a heart and resources to make a difference in the lives of our children.” Susan Grasham, COACH Kids Executive Director.
The Duke Energy Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. Duke Energy invests in programs that support the arts and culture and strengthen the nonprofit community, as well as support strategic initiatives that respond to needs regional-specific needs.
The Duke Energy website said, “Duke Energy is proud to be part of the communities where our customers live and work. And giving back is one way we help build strong communities.”