Holtsville, New York – June 8, 2022 – Due to the many social and economic adversities that young people face in this state, there are at least 500,000 young people that still need a mentor in their lives. It goes without saying that the past two years have introduced new challenges as young people faced isolation from friends and family, continued racial injustice, changes in school and routine serving to deepen many of the existing gaps and fueling a growing mental health crisis.
That’s why Long Island businesses, including presenting sponsor Bethpage Federal Credit Union, came together last night on June 7, 2022, at Mentoring’s Topgolf Challenge in Holtsville, NY, where company representatives hit the driving range for friendly challenges, team bonding, and raising critical funds for MENTOR New York, a state-wide nonprofit with a 29-year history of service to the Long Island community.
MENTOR New York’s CEO Brenda Jimenez said, “Corporate investment is critical for the mentoring movement. Young people are the future clients and future workforce of today’s businesses. Investing in MENTOR New York is more than an investment in tomorrow; It’s an investment in today. Young people need meaningful relationships that provide support and connection right now more than ever before, and MENTOR New York is actively working to increase the number of mentoring opportunities that exist wherever young people live, learn, work, and play.”
It's no secret that mentors make a positive impact on young people’s lives by supporting their mentees as they face new challenges, pushing them to expand their horizons, and encouraging them to set themselves up for success. Mentors can be paired with a mentee through a mentoring organization or decide to be more intentional about mentoring the young people they encounter in everyday life. Those interested in getting involved can contact MENTOR New York to be connected to mentoring opportunities in their area.
Companies supporting last night’s event include Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP, Rivkin Radler LLP, Foschi Construction Corp., and Cristina V. Jewelry.
“At Bethpage Federal Credit Union, we are committed to enriching the lives of Long Islanders. We support MENTOR New York to help ensure more mentoring opportunities are available for young people in our community, allowing them to tap into their greatest potential,” said Linda Armyn, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Bethpage Federal Credit Union.
“Mentorship is a pillar of Rivkin Radler LLP’s culture and mission. Supporting MENTOR New York is an extension of that vision and taps into how we invest in our local community. Mentoring’s Topgolf Challenge offered an opportunity to bring our team together while continuing our investment in the Long Island community and its young people,” said Matthew Spero, Partner at Rivkin Radler LLP and Chair of MENTOR New York’s Board of Directors.
“My partner, Brian Ziegler, and I serve on the board of METOR NY,” said Fred Skolnik, Partner at Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP. “Through that experience, we have learned of the many wonderful mentoring programs that MENTOR NY supports, including our firm’s Lawyers Involved in Kids’ Education (LIKE) Program which since 2004 has brought the two of us and our mentors much joy and satisfaction.”
MENTOR New York has a long history of serving the Long Island community by fostering partnerships with local organizations, schools, and companies that want to make a difference in the lives of young people though quality mentoring. The organization has worked closely with the Baldwin School District Mentoring Program, L.I.K.E. Mentoring Program, and Dodd Middle School’s Mentoring Program, to name just a few.
Is your company interested in getting involved in the mentoring movement? Contact Sam Cowles at scowles@mentornewyork.org to learn about upcoming opportunities.