Dear Trusted Mentors

"I would like to thank you for your services. Most of all I am thankful for my mentor for helping me realize that I am someone and not a nobody."

This is what we recently received from "Larry", a man who moved into his first apartment at the age of 50. His mentor has changed his feeling that he's a No-body. The support of his mentor has helped Larry remain housed, live independently and give back to his community after being homeless in Indianapolis.

Larry went on to write that his mentor makes him feel "positive" about his life and his progress and most of all he helps him feel "happy and at-peace."

How important is a mentor? In a recent survey of adults who had a mentor from Trusted Mentors, 86% responded that having a mentor reduced loneliness and increased their confidence! Having a friend to talk to and having personal confidence are of vital importance to the success of at-risk individuals.

Mentoring works. Just ask Larry.

Jail Release Just the Start on the Road to Redemption

Click on the link below to read the story of one man who made the tough decisions, formed the support network and regained the trust necessary to rebuild his life after incarceration.

Life after incarceration is rarely easy. But with determination and a little support, a better life is possible.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/15/jail-release-just-the-sta_n_389499.html

January Training Dates

January Mentor Training Dates have been scheduled. The January training will be held at the Trusted Mentors office, located in Fountain Square, 872 Virginia Ave.

Mentor Training and Orientation Seminar

Wednesday, January 13 2010
6-8pm

Monday, January 25 2010
6-8pm

Please join us to learn more about how you can prevent homelessness in Indianapolis!

Annual Thank a Mentor Celebration.... January 20, 2010

Trusted Mentors will hold its annual Thank a Mentor Celebration on January 20, 2010 at Immanuel UCC. The celebration is always held during the week of National Thank Your Mentor Day (January 22nd).

We are pleased to have Mark Nicholson join us to share the story of his journey from homelessness to successful lawyer. Mark will discuss the importance that his mentor played in that journey. It is a truly inspirational story and we hope you can join us for an evening of celebration! Dinner will be served.

As we start a new year, it will be good to hear Mark's story and reflect on our own lives and remember who has helped us through our own struggles. It is also a great time to commit to helping someone else!

For more information, please email Bryan at bhannon@trustedmentors.org

Number of Homeless Students Increases

The number of homeless students in Indiana has increased 12% over the last two school years according to a report released today from the Indiana Youth Institute. During the 2008-2009 school year, there were nearly 8,500 homeless students, up from 7,500 during the '05-'06 school year. It is estimated that 29,000 Hoosier children of all ages are homeless!

Students who experience homelessness are at a big disadvantage compared to their peers. It harms them academically and places a harmful stigma that can affect them for a lifetime.

Homelessness is a serious issue and it can happen to anyone. The economic downturn has put many more families at risk of homelessness. Trusted Mentors is working in Central Indiana to help the people most at-risk of homelessness. Join our efforts as we mentor adults at-risk of homelessness. By helping them, we can help save their children.

Visit our website to learn more.