[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Page 26657]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                          MENTOR A CHILD WEEK

 Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the 
efforts of those working to make a difference in the lives of today's 
youth. The last week in October is ``Mentor a Child Week'' in my home 
State of Oklahoma. I encourage all of us to participate.
  Big Brothers, Big Sisters is an organization whose mission is to make 
a positive difference in the lives of children and youth. Focusing on 
the challenges single parents face, this organization provides 
professionally supportive one-to-one relationships with a positive and 
caring adult volunteer, and assists these children in achieving their 
greatest potential as they grow to become responsible citizens in the 
community.
  Children with mentors are 46 percent less likely to use illegal 
drugs, 27 percent less likely to use alcohol, and 52 percent less 
likely to skip school. Youth with mentors have better relationships 
with their peers and family members.
  I encourage all citizens, parents, governmental agencies, public and 
private institutions, businesses and schools to support efforts that 
will promote the mentoring of children and youth throughout our 
community.

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