Mayor Teri Johnston and the Key West City Commission have proclaimed January as Keys to Be the Change Mentoring Month. During last week's commission meeting, dozens of mentors and mentees came to the stage to receive the honor.
“I just want to thank these people who come into the schools every day," said Heidi Golightly, founder of the program. “They read with kids at the elementary schools or mentor high-risk youth. We try to build self-esteem and self-confidence in our kids."
First established in 2014, Keys to Be the Change provides programs, education, awareness, and opportunities that empower children, youth, and adults to improve health, wellness, and skills for success in school and in life. Mentors play a vital role by providing crucial emotional and social support to our children and youth as they grow and develop into the next generation of future citizens and leaders.
Keys to Be the Change collaborates with the City of Key West, the Key West Police Department, JIATFS, the Navy, the US Coast Guard, and community members committed to our kids' future.
Keys to Be the Change proves that mentoring results in less truancy and higher graduation rates, fosters better attitudes regarding law enforcement, and encourages bonding with the school and the community at large.
“I can't say enough," said School Superintendent Theresa Axford. “I just can't say how much we appreciate everything the mentors do."