Lynda Neff, Director of Development, discussed how the program brings caring adults into Delaware schools, helping with homework, conversation, or companionship to help students acquire the social and emotional skills they need to succeed in school, work and life. Over 1,500 students at 91 schools receive the intervention, originally founded by a retired businessman as a ‘grandparent’ to The program recruits individuals and employers to visit with an at-risk child once a week during the school year, at the school during school hours. Mentors are trained using their Power of 1 program to help them learn how to create a bond, how to interact and build a relationship. She also discussed their ‘Seasons of Respect’ group peer program on character building for students in 4th and 5th grades. She noted the need for these programs, citing poverty, trauma and family instability as roadblocks to success at school. She is constantly recruiting for new mentors, learn more about volunteering and all about the upcoming fundraisers – the 2nd annual Cornhole Cup on September 15th and Golf Outing in August at their website HERE.