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Mizizi Maji Youth Mentoring
The Mizizi Maji (Swahili for “Root Water”) Mentoring Program provides area youth ages 8-18 with adult mentors and a strong support system, helping them consciously take control of their lives, look towards the future, and begin making good choices. The program matches youth with individual mentors, and weekly group gatherings at Baxter feature guest presentations, group activities, or lessons to facilitate positive youth development (media literacy, healthy choices, etc.).
The intent of the Mizizi Maji Mentoring Program is to increase students’ self-esteem, social competencies, academic achievement, and sense of hope. Ultimately, the mentoring program seeks to empower students to overcome socio-economic barriers and avoid the dangerous behaviors and disturbances that often accompany them, graduate from high school, attend college or pursue employment, and become healthy, responsible citizens.
The Mentoring Program has limited enrollment and therefore requires a commitment from youth participants, who must complete an application process to enter the program. For further information or to get involved as a mentor or mentee, contact Sharon LaChapelle by telephone at (616) 456-8593 ext. 233 or by email at sharonl@baxtercommunitycenter.org.
“My favorite part of mentoring is that we always learn something new.”
- Maleeka Conley, Mentoring Student
“The mentoring program has helped me to break down the stereotypes that I harbored without even knowing it…”
- Anne Cassard, Mentor
“I choose to be a mentor because I think it’s important that our kids have role models and support…”
- Shayon Smith, Mentor
“Women getting together and accomplishing something is really one of the best parts…”
- Nancy Barnhart, Threads Teacher since 2000
“The Threads project provides students with self esteem. It tells them, ‘You can do something if you put your mind to it.’”
- Erica Millbrook, Threads Project Coordinator
“The best part of coming to Baxter is sewing class. I get to make my creations.”
- Ivory, Threads Student
“Beyond serving obvious physical needs in the community, people know they can count on Baxter…”
- Tammy Beckering, Volunteer
“I know that if I have an emergency, I can just walk through the door, and someone is there to help me.”
- Mrs. Willa Alexander, Adult Clinic Client
“We cherish [our son's] safety and security while we are at work and he is being cared for at Baxter Child Care.”
- Luke and Andrea Robinson, Child Development Center Parents
“Baxter offers their children nurturing care to help them feel safe and secure, and a planned curriculum to engage them in learning.”
- Jennifer Griffith, Kent County Regional 4C
“If I could choose one word to describe this environment, it would be ‘friendly.’”
- Michelle Mitchell, Marketplace Pantry Client
“This has transformed the way I spend money. Now I know that everything under heaven belongs to God.”
- Hazel Lewis, Freedom in Your Finances Class Participant
“What I love most about volunteering at the Marketplace is working with the people. ”
- Amber Hora, Marketplace Volunteer