[Nfb_of_georgia] GEMS Mentoring Program Telephone Conference

[Anil Lewis NFBGA]

The Georgians Empowered through Mentoring Success (GEMS) program will be
conducting a telephone conference for current and potential mentors.  The
call will be held on Thursday, January 28 at8:00PM.  All responsible blind
adults interested in serving as a mentor to a blind youth are welcome to
participate in the telephone conference.  More information about the program
follows, and can be obtained on the web at:

 

http://www.nfbga.org/gems.htm

 

GEMS Telephone Conference

Call in#: 888-354-0094

Conference ID: 7169900

Time: 8:00PM to 9:00PM

 

 

Program Objective

The aim of the Georgians Empowered through Mentoring Success (GEMS) program
is to link blind and low vision young adults throughout Georgia, ages
sixteen to twenty-six, with successful blind and low vision mentors for the
purpose of increasing their knowledge and participation in their educational
and vocational rehabilitation processes with a resulting outcome of
increased post-secondary academic success, high-quality employment, and
community integration.  The GEMS program pairs blind and low vision young
adults with positive blind role models who demonstrate good blindness
skills, incorporate an exemplary philosophy on blindness into their daily
lives, and are successful in their chosen careers.  

 

Mentors

Through the mentoring relationship blind and low vision adults offer their
expertise, experience and ideas to young adults.  Many mentors work full
time, have a family at home and still make time for their mentees.  This is
because the mentor's are committed to helping a young blind adult develop a
positive self concept, which has a corresponding positive effect on their
potential quality of life. When young adults learn good skills of blindness,
as a result of a mentor's interaction, the mentor also receives great
satisfaction and personal growth.  Mentors are able to meet other blind and
low vision adults and create a larger support network for themselves as well
as others.  In order to be considered as a potential mentor, individuals
complete a mentor application, and in order to ensure the safety of the
young participants in this mentoring program, all prospective mentors
undergo a thorough, confidential background check and screening process. 

 

Mentees

By participating in the mentoring program, mentees have the opportunity to
build a personal relationship with a positive blind role model; learn
firsthand how other blind people lead successful lives and achieve their
goals; develop friendships with other blind and low vision young adults;
and, have fun with activities they never expected to do!  Overall, the
mentoring relationship assists the mentees develop the alternative skills of
blindness and implement life strategies that increase their potential for
success. 

 

 

 

Mr. Anil Lewis, President

National Federation of the Blind of Georgia

"Everyday People Living Life Every Day"

 

315 West Ponce de Leon Avenue

Suite 1020

Decatur, Georgia 30030

 

(404) 371-1000 (Voice)

(404) 371-1002 (Fax)

(866) 316-3242 (Toll Free)

 

WWW.NFBGA.ORG/