Overwhelmed by the challenges of the school year, teachers and administrators have not been able to place all of JABA's F.I.S.H. (Friends in School Helping) Mentors with area students. But our trained FISH Volunteers are ready and waiting to virtually provide the same mentoring and academic support they have in the past.
As parents know, this kind of individual support at home is invaluable right now, but it can run upwards of $20-75 an hour. JABA's FISH program offers support free of charge. Plus, the connections that children can make with their adult mentors can last a lifetime.
"If I were to use one word to describe my experience as a FISH volunteer, I would use "connection." During these surreal Covid times, being able to read and write with my student - seeing the effort she gives, makes the experience invaluable. I am not sure who benefits more." - FISH volunteer Laura Vik
Many of our FISH Volunteers are also bilingual.
By virtue of offering mentoring and academic support virtually, children in school systems across the region can take advantage of our FISH Program. For more information and to connect their child with a FISH volunteer, parents can call 434.817.5226, email JABA Volunteer Coordinator Winter Broadhurst at wbroadhurst@jabacares.org, or request a FISH Mentor online.