Gundersen Moundview and A-F Elementary pilot new mentorship program

Gundersen Moundview Hospital and Clinics recently partnered with Adams-Friendship Elementary School to pilot a new youth mentorship program to increase student success in the classroom. Approximately 20 Gundersen Moundview employees began volunteering as mentors this past week.

"One of Gundersen Moundview's goals is to establish and maintain partnerships in the communities we serve," says Frank Perez-Guerra, CEO at Gundersen Moundview. "This new partnership is an opportunity to impact the lives of local children and the greater community not only now, but in the years to come. The children mentored today could go on to work at our hospital or do other great things in our community."

The program's goal is to help students transition into their school day with the desired outcomes of improving academic performance and increasing respectful, responsible and safe school behaviors. Mentors spend 45 minutes, one morning a week with their student.

"Mentors are an additional caring adult in a student's life," says Tammy Lowrey, mentor program outreach coordinator at Gundersen Moundview. "They spend time talking to the student, providing encouragement and helping them get ready for their school day. Studies have shown that mentors can have a big impact on a child’s life, leading to their future success as an adult."

"We're excited for what this program could do for our students and our school's overall learning environment," says Roxanne Irey, principal at Adams-Friendship Elementary. "It will enhance our existing programs, help build youth resiliency and provide support for our teachers and staff."

"The mentor program will continue through the end of the school year and begin again in the fall," says Perez-Guerra. "We hope to continue to grow and expand this program each year to impact even more children in our community."

The Gundersen Moundview Adams-Friendship Elementary Mentor Program was developed with support from Gundersen Health System's Global Partners-At Home program. Global Partners-At Home partners with schools and organizations throughout the Tri-State region to help foster resilience in students, teachers and families.

The focus is on making a long-term, sustainable impact in the community. To learn more about Global Partners, visit gundersenhealth.org/global-partners.