Jill Jaton had specific ideas about the type of volunteering that interested her. She hoped to engage in meaningful interactions away from the business world where she practices her profession. Boulder County B.E.S.T. Mentoring Program exceeded her expectations even before she was matched with an at-risk young woman. "It was great training and I enjoyed meeting the other mentors," comments Jaton.

The Boulder Enhanced Supervision Team (B.E.S.T.) provides mentoring and guidance to adolescents involved in the juvenile court system by building positive and ongoing relationships. Through this work, Jaton feels her time and talents are put to good use. "It's a good match" she says about the teenager she sees two to three hours a week. "It's not therapy - we have fun" Jaton claims.

Anne Brubacher, Program Coordinator, agrees that it is the consistent, non judgmental aspect of the mentor/mentee friendship that is so beneficial and makes Jaton such an outstanding mentor. "Jill goes out of her way to provide special opportunities that her mentee would not otherwise have." Brubacher cites a recent instance where Jaton chaperoned her mentee a long distance to participate in a cake decorating workshop.

The adults in the program offer guidance and friendship to disadvantaged young people, who gain confidence and interpersonal skills during the program, enabling them to work through their issues and, to some degree, shed their troubles. The ultimate goal of the program is to help the youth live productive and successful lives in the community.

For information about volunteering with the Boulder County B.E.S.T. Mentoring Program or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904.