About THE FUND
The Childscapes York Mentoring Fund was established in the fall of 2018 by our friend and mentor, Frank Wallace. With the guidance of the Maine Community Foundation and the help of Melanie Ladd, Community Programs Director for the York School Department, Mr. Wallace created this fund that will directly serve all students enrolled in the York Schools’ Mentor Program for many years to come. The proceeds of this fund are designed to facilitate additional enrichment and scholarship opportunities for children enrolled in the mentor program and provide ongoing support and trainings to mentors.
The York Schools’ Mentor Program has served hundreds of students since its inception in the early nineties. The average mentee/mentor partnership lasts for five years. There are currently 100 students and 70 mentors involved in the program. Students are selected by school guidance counselors for any number of reasons, and matched with a mentor with similar interests or experiences. Research has shown that students with mentors have better attitudes toward school and increased emotional and social development. To find out more about becoming a mentor, please visit our Support page.
ABOUT FRANK
Frank Wallace has devoted his guidance, time, and generosity to students in the York Schools for over 18 years. He has mentored many students from K-12, worked closely with school administrators and teachers to enhance the curriculum, and supported students with their writing and reading in the classroom. He has built lasting friendships with students and continues to make a difference in so many lives. Frank envisions the Childscapes York Mentoring Fund as helping each child in the program realize their potential.
Frank is a retired schoolmaster who has made his home in Cape Neddick, Maine where he enjoys gardening, volunteering, and traveling. Frank was on the board of the National Association of Independent Schools and Chairman of the Education Committee. He has written various books about schools, teachers, and childhood for over 30 years, and has published journals both here in the United States and abroad.
ABOUT MELANIE
Melanie Ladd joined the York School Department in 1996 and has been recognized in the State of Maine for her work and expertise in creating school-based mentoring opportunities for students of all ages. To date, 550 students have had the unique opportunity to be paired with a community mentor since the program’s inception. Students meet weekly with their mentor for an average of 5-10 years. This continuity assures the effectiveness in these partnerships.
Melanie provides ongoing custom training for each grade level, offering guidance on how to improve mentoring techniques; focusing on topics of building healthy relationships, effective social communication skills, resiliency, and supporting positive mentoring activities.
Through the York Schools Mentor Program, mentors provide a connection and friendship with students, guiding them as they foster emotional resilience during a critical time in their development. Mentoring opportunities have proven to build positive outcomes in school and in nurturing healthy relationships.
Melanie has devoted her skills to building additional resources to assist more students needing social connections since COVID-19. Mentoring plays a significant role in enhancing positive self-esteem and self-confidence, improving behavior, both at home and at school, and improving interpersonal skills.
