You can change the world within your reach -- right here in Melrose. The Melrose C.A.R.E.S. Community Mentoring Program is actively seeking volunteer mentors for the 2013 calendar year. If you want to make a difference in the community and form lasting bonds with a deserving middle school student, volunteering as a mentor could be for you.

The Melrose C.A.R.E.S. Community Mentoring Program, which is run by the Melrose Alliance Against Violence, pairs 10 middle school students with adult mentors. Mentors must be at least 21 years of age and need to commit one year to the program. Middle school students are referred to the program through the Guidance Department at the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School, which partners closely with MAAV to provide ongoing support for participants. Volunteer mentors are screened, trained, and supervised by MAAV staff.

MAAV's new group with 6th and 7th grade students will begin in January 2013.

For more information about the program, please contact Sharon Loveridge, Program Coordinator at 781.662.2010 or at sloveridge@maav.org, or visit MAAV’s web site at www.maav.org.