R.E.A.L. Youth Connections is about creating space to connect with boys and girls, mentors, families, and communities. So, how do we accomplish this? We do it primarily through our REAL Mentors Program. We meet in groups, face-to-face, mentors and students, and connect through various activities, conversations, and while enjoying snacks together. Conversations, speaking, and listening … Read more
A mix of R.E.A.L. Youth Connections’ mentors and board members January is the perfect month to acknowledge and thank a mentor. Why? Because January is National Mentor Month (NMM). Back in 2002, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and MENTOR (National Mentoring Partnership) founded NMM. Why they picked January, I’m not sure, but … Read more
There is a growing epidemic of loneliness in the world today. As the aftereffects of the pandemic linger on, many continue to feel isolated and cut off from meaningful personal interactions. But what is the answer to reversing this toxic trend? The U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, says, “If we fail to build more connected … Read more
[by Nate Rollins] The first week of August, I spent in western Pennsylvania with my mom and my extended family. For the most part, it was a nice time of reconnecting and growing relationships that had been neglected for far too long. In one way, it was a blessing to be able to spend time … Read more
[by Jake Milano] It was in the fall of 2016, when Mike Sanford and I approached Terry Ingano, who was, at the time, Superintendent of Schools for Clinton, Mass., about setting up a group mentoring program for middle school boys in Clinton. Terry embraced the idea and opened the door for us to put the … Read more
[by Terry Ingano] Community Basketball Night is back! Games will be played on Thursday, March 16, beginning at 6:00pm in the Clinton High School gym. Four sets of teams are primed to take to the court in what just might be the event of the year. Here’s our illustrious lineup: This not-to-be-missed event is sponsored … Read more
[by Nate Rollins] Thursday, February 16th was the regional networking event for Central Mass sponsored by Mass Mentoring Partnership (MMP), a non-profit organization in Boston. The meeting was held at the YWCA in Worcester. There were about 15 attendees representing about 10 different organizations. One organization was grassroots, 100% volunteer, with around a dozen people … Read more