BY STEVEN NUCKOLS
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON -- Once a week, 51-year-old Chuck Eilerman leaves his real estate office and goes back to school to join sixth-grader Matt Tucker. Mr. Eilerman serves as Matt's mentor as part of the Friends of First program at First District School in Covington.
Mr. Eilerman, a senior sales associate for RE - MAX Commercial Group, has been a mentor to Matt for three months. The one-on-one approach is important and so is staying active in the lives of the children in our community, he said.
"Sometimes Matt and I just sit together and talk over a snack or making a jigsaw puzzle, but the rewards and benefits from our relationship is overwhelming," he said.
Some of the outdoor activities include playing basketball, jump rope, going out to lunch or just taking walks around campus. "The reason I like going to the resource center is because Chuck helps me out with my work and does a lot more things with me," said Matt. "I'm so glad I have Chuck as my mentor."
The program, founded in 1994 by members of the Family Resource Center, is school-based, matching adult volunteers with individual students. The relationships focus on building self-esteem and success.
About 20 adult volunteers at the school are recruited from local businesses, universities, community centers, local governments and senior citizen centers.
Students come to the resource center recommended by their primary teacher. The resource center then turns to their volunteer list and sets up an interview and background check to pair them with a student.
"It's a special relationship these kids have with their mentors once the non-academic barriers of the classroom are removed," said Elizabeth Noll of Covington, elementary activity coordinator of the resource center. "I've seen firsthand the improvement some of these kids have made in their attitudes, self-esteem and schoolwork -- from "A" students to students that might just need some extra tutoring, every student can find something to benefit from."
Taking about an hour or two during the week, the mentors and students can enjoy an array of activities stressing academics and companionship. The computer center is open for students learning various software programs and games. Some students complete various homework assignments or take part in journal and creative writing and art projects. If interested in becoming a mentor, call the resource center at 292-5811, Ext. 113.
