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A Drastic Change

Jan 11, 2019 - Success Stories

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Five-year-olds rarely lack confidence. Their disregard of boundaries and unending supply of energy both beguiles and exhausts the adults who care for them. So when a child lacks that stereotypical joie de vivre, you can bet something is wrong.


When Montrell started kindergarten at Gibson Elementary north of downtown St. Louis he stood out in several ways. His self-esteem was low. He made poor choices. He had conflicts with other children and adults, resulting in too many visits to the principal’s office.


Dayo Banks, a long-time therapeutic mentor with PCHAS, was called in to work with Montrell. Dayo met with Montrell up to three hours a week throughout 2018. While working and playing, they talked about what Montrell really wanted and how he could reach those goals. Dayo visited Montrell’s home regularly over the summer, providing consistent interest and reinforcing good habits.


Principal Crystal Henderson believes the PCHAS Therapeutic Mentoring Program “is not only working for this student, but for many others at Gibson.”

Principal Headshot 3


                                               Principal Crystal Henderson has noticed appreciable changes 
                                             in students at Gibson Elementary who participate in the PCHAS 
                                                                     Therapeutic Mentoring Program.

“I have seen a drastic change with him,” she says. “He is in first grade now and he has positive interactions with classmates and adults. He has decreased his discipline referrals. You can even catch him smiling!”

A Drastic Change Photo

National research shows that mentoring is one of the most promising programs for children at risk, especially when paired with other supportive services. Mentored youth have fewer absences, better attitudes toward school, fewer incidents of hitting others and less alcohol and drug abuse. They show improved relationships with their parents and more positive attitudes toward other adults.


PCHAS hires part-time and full-time mentors like Dayo. Training covers common childhood mental health issues and diagnoses, character development, teaching anger management and coping skills, and more.


To refer a child between the ages of 5 and 19 for therapeutic mentoring, or to become a mentor, call 314.785.0180 or write to info@pchas.org.


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