Mentoring provides an opportunity for men and women to be a positive adult role model in a child's life.  Someone who is genuinely happy to see that child each time they meet, someone who is refreshing and upbeat, someone who can be an objective observer, an encourager, a fun companion, and good listener.  A mentor helps an adolescent to see the glass as half full instead of half empty, and through devoting at least one hour a week sends a child the message that she or he is important in this world.