Mentor Richland County strives to serve and create brighter futures for young people living in rural Illinois with limited access to educational resources. Support from County Materials provides structured one-on-one mentoring in Richland County and nearby communities.
Mentors work with elementary school students to help them earn higher grades, build confidence, and develop a positive attitude toward school. Area schools refer more than 60 students to the program each year, where they are matched with a mentor based on personality and interests.
Richland County children in the program often face adversity at home and benefit from the attention of a positive role model, especially when a parent is absent. The mentor and student meet weekly to work on homework, talk, and bond during open gym, free play, and arts and crafts activities.
Through the Sonnentag American Foundation, County Materials partners with dozens of organizations in four key service areas: Mentoring and Skills Building, Hunger and Homelessness Support, Sexual Abuse and Domestic Assault Services, and Service Member and Veteran Support.