The Stanislaus County Employee Mentor Program has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo).
The award honors innovative, effective county government programs that enhance services for residents.
NACo recognized the Stanislaus County Employee Mentor Program in the Children and Youth Category by acknowledging the powerful impacts this program is having on the local Stanislaus County community.
“The National Association of Counties applauds county governments that are embracing innovative and more effective ways to serve their constituents,” said NACo President
and Councilmember in Maui County Riki Hokama. “The Achievement Awards recognize counties’ outstanding efforts to strengthen services and deliver results for residents across the country.”
Stanislaus County employees, along with partner agencies including Modesto City Schools, the Stanislaus County Office of Education, a faith based collaborative, service clubs, retired employees and local college students have rallied to develop a sustained youth mentoring program now in its 17th year of existence. Through a completely voluntary effort, the program provides quality mentoring time and attention to area young people in third through fifth-grade, primarily.
“This is simply an amazing program,” said Terry Withrow, Stanislaus County Supervisor and Board Chairman. “By engaging our struggling young people early we are so better equipped to provide them the level playing field opportunities they deserve. I am so proud of our employee groups and all of our community partners for making this program a pure best practice.”
Nationally, awards are given in 21 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice, county administration, environmental protection, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more.
The awards will be presented at NACo’s 2015 Annual Conference and Exposition July 10 through 13 in Mecklenburg County, N.C.
