St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton, recently hosted a year-end luncheon to celebrate the second year of its Big Brothers/Big Sisters mentor program. The celebration included lunch, trivia games and testimonials from the 24 mentors and 18 students.
Students in the program attend Trenton Central High School-West and are matched with a St. Francis mentor whom they meet twice a month for guidance and career counseling. In addition, students learn about different departments and specialties at the medical center.
“The program is a good way to introduce healthcare careers to students, but more importantly, it’s a great opportunity to make a difference in a young person’s life,” said Theresa Levitsky, program director at St. Francis Medical Center School of Radiography. “We are pleased to be a part of a program that enriches a young person’s life and gives back to the community.”
Levitsky is co-organizer of the workplace mentor program with Delores Baker, St. Francis community relations liaison at St. Francis. St. Francis physicians, nurses, therapists, computer specialists and billing representatives all served as mentors for the students. Levitsky reported the volunteers had remarked how rewarding the program was.
“Many mentors said it was the best two hours of their week,” she said. “They got as much out of the program as the students, if not more. Our mentors are looking to stay in contact with students as part of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. This was a really great experience for everyone.”