Your Sierra Vista Area Chamber since 1959
Mentoring Cochise Kids
Sierra Vista Area Chamber Member
Make a Friend....Make a Difference.
Mentoring is a concept that is age old and played a role in our nation’s history. The expectations were to have children trained and tutored with necessary skills to survive and prosper in life. Unfortunately, we’ve seen erosion of many family structures over the decades that leaves young people to figure out life on their own -– often with destructive results.
The mission they have at Mentoring Cochise Kid’s (MCK), is to match quality adult mentors with at-risk youth in the community. Statistically, these young “at-risk” people are more susceptible to delinquent behavior, alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, and dropping out of school. When they match these boys and girls, ages 6-17, with responsible, caring adults who are committed to sustaining a consistent partnership for at least one year, it promotes positive change. Close relationships allow the youth to experience an in-depth alternative way of living that may lead to a quality life into their future.
The MCK studies and philosophy for early intervention as prevention have created an inexpensive alternative to tax-supported treatment programs. A child can be supported in MCK for a full year at just $1500 compared to $250,000 per year for residential drug/alcohol treatment and $70,000 per year for incarceration.
Focused on being different from other mentorship programs, MCK accepts only young people who have been referred by recognized community agencies such as the juvenile justice system, social services, and schools. Occasionally there is an exception when a referral comes through a parent or guardian. They serve the neediest youths in the community who are facing a combination of risk factors. The relationship developed with a healthy adult who mentors them may become the key element in redirecting their lives.

When a “match” is made, the mentor makes a commitment to spend at least three hours a week regularly with the mentee. Visiting the mentee’s home, school, and referring agency allows the mentor to become better acquainted with them. In addition to their three hours per week together, the mentor and mentee attend group activities sponsored by MCK.
This part of the strategy to success in relationships is at the core of the MCK program. They are committed to recruiting, training, and sustaining willing, committed, responsible adults who care about making a difference in the life of one boy or girl. Both the child and the adult benefit greatly from this unique and dynamic relationship – and so does the community.
https://mentoringcochisekids.org/
mentoringcochisekids@gmail.com
