In Recognition and Support of
National Mentoring Month
January 2025
WHEREAS, this year Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Coast, CASA of Humboldt, and Boys and Girls Club of the Redwoods, celebrate the 140 combined years of service to the youth in Humboldt County.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Coast recognizes that the future of Humboldt County rests on the success of its youth; and
WHEREAS, a mentor is a caring, consistent presence who devotes time to help a young person develop personal strength and achieve their potential through a structured and trusting relationship. Quality mentoring encourages positive choices, promotes self-esteem, supports academic achievement and introduces young people to new ideas; and
WHEREAS, research shows that young people matched with a caring adult through a quality mentoring program are 55 percent more likely to be enrolled in college, 92 percent more likely to report participating regularly in extracurricular activities and sports, 78 percent more likely to volunteer and twice as likely to say they held a leadership position than those who did not have a mentor; and WHEREAS, youth development experts agree that mentoring is critical to the social, emotional and cognitive development of youth, helping them navigate the path to adulthood more successfully; and WHEREAS, our community has a number of community volunteers, teachers and many others who support the mentoring movement and work selflessly to improve our children’s odds for success; and WHEREAS, the future of Fortuna rests on the success of its children and youth.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mike Johnson, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Fortuna proclaim that January 2025 is National Mentoring Month in the City of Fortuna and thank all of our local heroes who participate in quality mentoring programs to equip our youth with the tools to lead healthy and productive lives. The City Council also calls on residents to help close the gap between the availability of mentors and the number of children facing challenging circumstances who would love to spend time with a Big Brother, Big Sister, CASA Advocate, or Boys and Girls Club of the Redwoods Mentor. It takes Little to be BIG for National Mentoring Month.
SIGNED this 6th day of January, 2025 at the City of Fortuna, in the State of California, and in witness thereof, the seal of Fortuna.
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Mike Johnson, Mayor
City of Fortuna