Turbo Logistics makes impact with students through mentoring
All youth have the potential to succeed in school and in life. Yet, not all youth receive the support they need to achieve this success. Many students live in situations that put them at risk of making wrong choices and not living up to their potential.
In Hall County, over 30% of students do not graduate from high school. Center Point in Gainesville seeks to strengthen students and their families through education, counseling, mentoring, substance abuse prevention, and youth development. The Center Point mentoring program offers support, advice, friendship and consistency to students – powerful tools in helping young people reach their potential.
Turbo, a transportation and logistics management company based in Gainesville, is making a big impact in our community by serving as volunteer youth mentors. Through intervention by these caring adults, Turbo employees are helping students make choices that benefit their futures and, ultimately, the economic and social well-being of our community.
Turbo Logistics employees have been serving as mentors for over seven years and have made an impact in the lives of 18 students. “I became involved when my kids were in elementary school and saw the need to become a mentor through the Center Point organization,” said Turbo Executive Vice President Steve Syfan. “I wish more people would get involved because they would realize just how rewarding the program is for everyone involved. All kids need a caring adult they can trust, someone to be there to offer support and friendship.”
“A student’s father recently called me, with joyful tears, to let me know that his son, one of my mentees, was the first in his family to graduate from high school,” said Syfan. “Now, that is rewarding.”
Krys Crawford is Turbo’s coordinator of the mentoring program and has encouraged 12 staff members to become mentors. “Our associates not only spend one hour a week with their mentees, they actually go above and beyond that and spend time with the students at museums and other places around the community,” said Crawford. “We become a part of their family.”
“Krys’ passion for the program has spread throughout our office, and people have really caught the fever to participate,” said Syfan. “It has been a joy watching the kids succeed and thrive in their environment once a mentor gets involved.”
Center Point is in need of more mentors. By giving only one hour a week of your time, you can change the life of a child. Details: Kate Hoffmann at 770-535-1050. centerpointgainesville.com