4-H Akwesasne Mentoring

Was it a bird? Was it a plane? Or who really was that person that made a difference in your life? Perhaps it was a coach, a teacher, or an elder from within the community. Today, we call this person a “Mentor”.

The Franklin County 4-H Cornell Cooperative Extension in conjunction with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe has pursued a unique opportunity to help youth who are risk. The 4-H Akwesasne Mentoring program came about in the form of a grant from the National 4-H Foundation and the Office of Justice and Juvenile Delinquency.

Currently, the 4-H Akwesasne Mentoring program is in the beginning stages of development. With the help of various departments at the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the Salmon River and Massena Central schools, approximately 60 youth ages 10-17 that are having challenges within the school or family setting will be invited to participate in this program. In addition, young adults within the high school and community members are invited to become the potential person to make a difference in this child’s life – a MENTOR.

Through the 4-H program, children will be provided with unique opportunities to explore interests that will redirect their attention from negative influences. In addition, the Mentee’s and their families will be invited to participate in (6) family outings that will include preparation of culturally nutritious family meals together, team building activities including the low and high ropes course at 4-H Camp Overlook. A final family event may include a hiking, fishing or horse drawn sleigh event. All participants will be invited to participate in the many sponsored county wide 4-H events such as: Food, Fun and Fitness; Shooting Sports; Horse or Dairy Camp; County Fair and 4-H Camp Overlook.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) is a not for profit organization which provides outreach education to communities throughout New York. 4-H is the youth component of CCE and provides research based “hands-on” curriculum to youth ages 5-18 across the United States.

For more information, you may contact Steve McDonald, 4-H Community Educator, in Malone at 518.483.7403 or Connie Gerow, 4-H Program Assistant at 518.358.4271. In Akwesasne, you may direct your questions to Michele Farnsworth (MSW), Assistant Director of Social Services, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, 412 State Route 37, Akwesasne, NY 13655; phone: 518.358.2209 or 358.2272.