School volunteers look to make positive impact

For students in at-risk communities, you could be just what they need.

The Clark County School District is seeking volunteers for two of its districtwide service programs. All you need is a passion for education and a little free time.

Professionals and Youth Building A Commitment, or PAYBAC, brings members of the community into middle schools to talk with students about the importance of education. Speakers engage with students in a classroom setting for about 45 minutes.

The district also has a mentoring program where adults meet with a student weekly for one hour at the school. Mentors usually are paired with students in at-risk schools.

The School-Community Partnership Program and program manager Kurt Arnold organize the program. For more information or to volunteer, call 799-6560.

Last year the programs had about 250 volunteers, Arnold said, and the partnership office is always looking for more. For the mentor program, he asks that volunteers give a one-year commitment.

In the case of volunteer Anthony Banks, he’s been doing it for nine years.

"We might be helping somebody become the next doctor, politician or scientist," Banks said. "All they need is somebody kind and positive. It just takes an hour a week to make a difference in somebody’s life."

Banks said he relates well with the kids he works with because he’s been in similar situations.

"When I was growing up, I didn’t have a lot of positive influences," Banks said. "I try to be (positive). I wanted to do something to help someone out. Some of these kids just want a positive relationship with somebody."

Since joining the mentor program nearly a decade ago, Banks has married and has a 6-year-old daughter. Even with a family of his own to care for, Banks plans to keep volunteering to help other children.

Javante, the child he currently mentors, "is going to be something special," Banks said.

"This is going to be exciting for me," he said. "I always noticed that when I left, I was the one cheered up and encouraged. They’re doing me a favor."

One of PAYBAC’s most active volunteers is Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix co-owner Matisun Barton. She has been speaking at schools for the past few years and averages about 35 schools per year, she said.

"I have a passion for it," Barton said. "They need as much reinforcement and love as possible. That’s our responsibility in the community."

Matisun and her husband, Jerry Barton, came from humble beginnings, she said, and she shares her journey with the students.

"We speak about the importance of education and about the tools and techniques to build a foundation for their life," she said. "I try to help them really believe and love themselves."

Going into the program, Barton had hoped to make an impact on the kids’ lives, but she wasn’t expecting quite the response she has received. A stack of letters she has at home from students lets her know she’s been helpful.

"I get letters that just bring me to tears," Barton said. "It makes it all worth it when you get a letter. Kids who never really thought there was hope for their life do now."

For those not interested in the PAYBAC or mentor programs but who still want to volunteer, the district recommends contacting a school individually and speaking with the principal about opportunities available.

Contact View education reporter Jeff Mosier at jmosier@viewnews.com or 224-5524.