New education mentoring program has opportunities for volunteers

The Children’s Rights Society and the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) announced recently that the two agencies have collaborated to form a new education mentoring program known as Special Advocates for a Greater Education (SAGE).

Karen Riley is the chief attorney and executive director of the Children’s Rights Society, a legal services agency for children in Orange County, which represents hundreds of children in foster care in Orange County.

“Every day our attorneys and social workers see the effects that trauma, abuse and neglect have on the kids involved in the child welfare system," Riley said in the press release announcing the new program. "It’s clear that these factors have a negative effect on their education. We believe that with the proper support from a caring mentor we will see an increase in successful outcomes. This partnership between our agencies will provide a crucial service to the community.”

DRC already provides volunteer services to the Family Court through its CASA program. The agency also provides mediation services and education services throughout Orange, Putnam, Sullivan and Ulster counties.

“SAGE is a wonderful service for youth that are in foster care or involved in the child welfare system to help guide them throughout their school years until graduation," said DRC Executive Director Donna Ramlow. "The hope is that SAGE will provide these students with a greater opportunity to contribute to their communities in the future”.

SAGE needs committed volunteers for this new program. Training will be provided.

For more information, contact Patricia Asprea-Wright at 845 551-3223 or email tawright@childrensrightsinc.org.