In honor of President Obama’s proclamation stating that January is officially National Mentoring Month in America, Community Outreach Ministry (COM) of Wildomar would like to share how their mentoring program is preparing at risk children for success.

Why Mentoring? Because there is a great need for these efforts.

Some data indicate about 40 percent of American children are born to unwed mothers. Children raised by single mothers can face many obstacles in life and are considered more "at-risk" than children in two-parent homes according to the federal Centers for Disease Control.

The COM mentoring program targets children of prison inmates, a family situation that makes those youth vulnerable becoming the next generation of prisoners.

The nonprofit group strives to reach and match children as young as 6 years old through age 18. COM’s desire is to reach them and prepare them academically preventing school dropout, crime, violence, abuse, poverty and a host of related problems with disadvantaged low-income troubled youth.

How to help

Mentoring helps children connect with caring adults who can lead them toward healthy and productive lives. How you can help? COM is raising $7,500 for a matching grant opportunity Advertisement

Tenkobushi in the Race for Humanity on April 24 at Mt. San Jacinto College Campus in Menifee.

The grant is being matched by Riverside County Supervisor Jeff Stone’s office, and it a joint venture of private partners joining private sponsors and public contributions for the successful financial benefit of deserving non-profit organizations who participate in the Race for Humanity.

Program supporters can help by joining the group’s team by walking/running and making pledges and donations. All checks should be made payable to Race for Humanity and in the memo of the check indicate Charity #11 Community Outreach Ministry.

Mail donations to Community Outreach Ministry at 23905 Clinton Keith Road, suite 114-116, Wildomar, CA, 92595.

Call (951) 698-7650 to have any contributions picked up by program officials.

Proceeds will benefit scholarships for year-round mentoring matches, school supplies, tutoring materials and admission fees for youths to engage in fun outings with their mentors.

Tax-deductible receipts will be provided by COM.

Call (951) 698-7650 or e-mail info@communityoutreachministry.org for more information or to volunteer or become a sponsor.