United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc.
serving Beaufort and Jasper Counties
2266 Boundary St., P.O. Box 202, Beaufort, SC 29901-0202; 843.982.3040 (Beaufort)
1538 Fording Island Road, Suite 107 C, Bluffton, SC 29910; 843.837.2000 (Hilton Head/Bluffton)
306 Third Ave. P.O. Box 1420, Ridgeland, SC 29936; 843.645.6500 (Ridgeland)

www.uwlowcountry.org

Our Mission: Mobilizing Resources to Meet Human Needs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 1, 2011
==================================================
Contact: Jill Briggs, Executive Vice President

843.837.2000, ext. 222

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mentoring is an increasingly important instrument in the professional development of promising talent. It is a proven way to promote individual growth and development, accelerate learning, improve retention, elevate morale, and promote diversity.

Mentees have an opportunity to enhance their self-confidence, communication skills and leadership practices. Ideally, the mentor/mentee relationship leads to shared triumphs, defeats and new ideas; mentees benefit from their mentor’s guidance, nonjudgmental audience and constructive criticism.

Peter and Terry Hussey relocated to Beaufort in 2009 and brought with them a wealth of mentoring experience from their professional careers with the federal government. They desired an opportunity to refresh their knowledge base and engage mentoring in a more localized experience. They completed the United Way mentor certification program and found placement with the Whale Branch Early College High School. "Mentoring is an important adjunct to the educational experience," says Peter Hussey. "It benefits everyone connected to the process."

United Way of the Lowcountry will offer its Mentor Training program on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, January 10, 12, 17 and 19, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Comfort Inn & Suites located in the Belfair Towne Village, Bluffton. The program is free and open to the public. It requires attendance at all four sessions to receive certification.  The course is taught by Carolann Roberto, a certified social worker, consultant and trainer.

"Mentors need to understand the key components of mentoring, and how to avoid the pitfalls and stumbling blocks that tend to derail mentoring relationships. New and experienced mentors can benefit from enhancing their personal mentoring skills and applying mentoring best practices taught through this course," says Bethany Marcinkowski, Director of Resource Services for United Way of the Lowcountry.

For more information or to register for the January offerings of this free certification course call Bethany at (843) 837.2000 

United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc. today reports that $1,800.347 has been contributed to fund 64.3% of the programs, partnerships and services required by Beaufort and Jasper residents.

United Way of the Lowcountry campaign contributions fund partnerships and collaborations with 32 agencies and 42 programs in Beaufort and Jasper counties that focus on one or more priorities to achieve better HEALTH, EDUCATION, SHELTER, NUTRITION and INCOME for local residents and workers.

Chairing the 2011 United Way of the Lowcountry Community Campaign are Peter Post for the Beaufort area; Phyllis Doyle for Bluffton/Jasper County; and Mike Petrilli for Hilton Head Island. Bonnie Bennett is Vice Chair for the Jasper County campaign.
 
To contribute, to volunteer or for more information, call 843-982-3040 in Beaufort, 843-837-2000 in Bluffton/Hilton Head and 843-645-6500 in Jasper County.

United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc. — LIVE UNITED