Dream Academy News | Mentors make a difference

Friday January 22, 2010

Antonia Mendoza's three kids each have a "special friend."

The single mom didn't know what a mentor was at first, but she thought having one would be good for her children. Now she can't imagine not having the support of the U.S. Dream Academy, an after-school program, and mentors, such as Nina Bennett of Holladay.

Mendoza, a Spanish-speaking housekeeper with an eighth-grade education, said the program helps by watching her kids until 6 p.m., when she gets off from work. Their mentors assist them with homework, something she can't do very well. And when they visit with their mentors, she said, it makes them feel special.

"I know it helps them," she said. "They have someone they can trust."

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