Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota

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Mentoring Programs

Lutheran Social Services Mentoring Programs empower youth to succeed by establishing trusting relationships with adult volunteers. Mentors have a significant impact on youth by providing guidance and developing consistent, long-term friendships. LSS operates three distinct programs.

Why Mentor?

Mentoring builds positive behaviors in children, including:

  • Increased self-esteem
  • Improved academic skills, attendance, and social development
  • Greater awareness of the importance of education
  • Heightened sense of citizenship and character development
  • Better understanding of trusting relationships
  • Increased confidence

The mentoring relationship is rewarding for adults. It can be a way to learn more about yourself and experience the joy of seeing a child grow and change because you were there to help. Businesses value our mentoring programs because they provide an opportunity for employees to make an impact on the community. Teachers and counselors value mentoring because it brings community members into the schools, making education real for children and showing young people that the community cares about them.