Volunteers chat with Benjamin Logan students during the new Lunch Buddies program. (Benjamin Logan Photo)
The United Way of Logan County and Benjamin Logan Elementary have collaborated to pair adult role models with third- and fourth-graders in a new Lunch Buddies mentoring program this school year.
Local volunteers commit to visiting school once a month, developing a special one-on-one friendship over the course of the year with a child through lunch chats, encouragement and games.
Lunch Buddies is modeled after a long-time program in Troy City Schools and another conducted by Big Brothers Big Sisters in Union County. As a mentor and child are paired over the course of the year, a relationship of trust forms. The models have proven to improve the mental health of children participating.
“It was so nice to be able to go and eat lunch with the fourth-graders and to see how their day is going and to hear about their pets and what their favorite subjects are at school. Just to see them smile,” community member and Benjamin Logan parent Laura Alexander shared.
Volunteers are background-checked and go through an orientation before being paired with a student. If you are interested, contact Melody Couchman at (937) 592-2886.