Roller rink site for beginning friendships Bonnie Simon helps April Johnson, 8, on her skates during a Pals program party Sunday at Rola Rena (photo by Tina Gohr). Mentor program fosters long-term friendships By Anna Krejci News-Chronicle "I don't know who gets more out of it, me or her. I think it might be me," said Heather Longlais, a Pals Program mentor for an 11-year-old girl. The county's human services department runs the Pals Program, which matches children with mentors who commit to the program for at least one year. Longlais' relationship has turned into something of a family tie. She met the girl she mentors at the program's roller-skating party about six years ago and has known her longer than she has known her her husband. In fact, Longlais said the child was a member of the wedding party for her wedding. She said the two of them bake, sew and paint their fingernails together. For various reasons children are eligible to participate in the program, some of which include divorce, neglect or abuse. The program is designed to give children a sense of stability. According to Glen Tilot, Pals program/youth services coordinator, mentors engage children in recreational or educational activities, such as Sunday's roller-skating party. Mentors and children laced up their skates for several trips around the rink and a pizza party to follow. Tilot said more couples are deciding to pair up as a mentor team for a child and so are entire families. Matthew Schwartz likes his mentor, who makes him laugh "every now and then" and Schwartz has forgiven his mentor for letting a fish escape once during a fishing trip. The two have been matched since 1999 when they went on their first outing, a game of basketball at the neighborhood park. According to Tilot, studies show positive results for children in mentor programs. "The children that have a mentor in life are more successful in school, in careers - they're happier with their lives," he said. Tilot said many mentors tell him how much they are glad to have the experience and that they feel good. "For some people it reminds them of how important it is to give back to the community," he said. The program has 67 pairs, but there are also about 70 children waiting to be paired with a mentor. Children must be introduced into the program when they are 3-7 years old, but continue in the program for as long as they wish. Adults 18 years or older can apply to be mentor. Youth between the ages of 16 and 17 can be mentors with parental approval. Applicants undergo background checks and an interview to determine which mentor and child on the waiting list are most compatible. For more information about becoming a mentor or to sponsor a Pals Program activity, call 448-6023.