More mentors needed as GANAS Group Mentoring expands

FALLBROOK — The name “GANAS” (Guide, Nurture and Support) reflects the mission statement of a local group mentoring program that provides stable and caring role models (mentors) who guide and inspire children (mentees) from ages 9 to 14. This effort helps these young people access the support and resources necessary for developing leadership and academic skills so they may choose to live happy, healthy and productive lives. The adults involved in GANAS believe the way to steer youth away from gangs and other negative behaviors is to offer them constructive alternatives and positive life choices.

The GANAS Group Mentoring Program began in Fallbrook on March 22, 2006, at Summer Ridge Apartments, 818 East Alvarado, with four adult mentors (two men and two women) and seven mentees. A second mentoring group will begin at Fallbrook View Apartments, 901 Alturas, this March 13. There are 80 families at this location. In late spring, a third mentoring group will start at the Fallbrook Apostolic Church at 135 East Ivy Street. GANAS programs are always strategically located in areas where mentees who need it the most are able to walk to the facility after school and can bring their siblings along.

The mentoring program has been designed with the safety of each mentee as a primary concern. All mentors are properly screened, fingerprinted, trained and monitored. GANAS has a professional consultant who trains the mentors and provides them with individual support. Mentees participate in group mentoring activities designed to teach life skills, personal development and promote academic progress. Each group meets for 90 minutes once a week for 12 weeks. Then, following a two- to three-week break, participants return for another 12-week session.

The GANAS Group Mentoring Program is just one program established by the Fallbrook Citizens’ Crime-Prevention/Neighborhood Rehab Committee that provides area youth with more resources. More mentors are needed to help these children. For additional information about group mentoring, please call Pat Braendel at (760) 728-3400 or Patsy Loughboro, GANAS mentor, at (760) 728-6918.