Leigh-Anne White & Co. Launches New Youth Mentoring Initiative

mrandolphadvance@gmail.com

The Leigh-Anne White & Company Child and Adolescent Division has announced the launch of the new Youth Mentoring Initiative, which is designed to cultivate life-changing, oneon- one mentoring relationships for youth, ages 5 to 17.

This program is led by Child and Adolescent Division Project Leader Martin Luther Wardlaw, who has over 20 years of experience in youth mentorship. Having earned a master of science degree in Organizational Leadership and national certification in mentoring partnerships, Wardlaw has successfully launched mentoring programs that have impacted more than 300 youth in Toombs and surrounding counties.

Wardlaw spoke on the new program, saying, “This mentoring program is not just another outreach—it is a movement of restoration and resilience. We are building bridges between generations. Every child deserves someone who will walk beside them, speak life into them, and help them dream beyond their present reality.”

He went on to share the program’s mission statement, which explains that this new mentorship program exists “to cultivate life-changing mentoring relationships that foster trust, build resilience, and empower youth to thrive mentally, emotionally, academically, and socially.” The mentoring initiative seeks to match caring adult mentors with youth in need of positive role models; support children navigating trauma, behavioral challenges, or social instability; promote healthy decisionmaking, personal growth, and academic success; and to strengthen the impact of the Child and Adolescent Division’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Clubhouse services.

The goal of the program is to create a community where every child has a consistent, caring adult mentor to help guide them towards a healthier, brighter, and more empowered future. It is not to merely intervene in a child or adolescent’s life, but to inspire them by cultivating safe and consistent relationships that serve as lifelines for youth facing some of life’s most difficult challenges.

“We cannot underestimate the power of presence,” Wardlaw emphasized. “One hour a week, one conversation, one connection – it can change everything.”

Community members who feel called to make a lasting difference are encouraged to apply as mentors. All volunteers will be trained and supported to ensure they are equipped to serve with excellence and empathy.

For more information on the Youth Mentoring Initiative, or to apply as a mentor, call the Child and Adolescent Division of Leigh-Anne White & Company at (912) 585-7317.