Three years ago, the Boys and Girls Clubs in six area Native American Communities joined together to accept a federally funded grant.

Officials took the money, and built a mentoring program.

Today, that program is a 120 member strong success story that will soon be shared with the entire nation.

Abby Wuellner has more from New Town...

Three years ago, the Boys and Girls Clubs in six communities set out to answer one question.

(Dr. Susan Weinberger, President - Mentor Consulting Group) "Does mentoring work in Indian country?"


With a grant from the federal governmentone issued to 15 clubs on reservations across the countryLynette Dixon started pairing children with adults.

(Lynette Dixon, Mentor Coordinator - Boys and Girls Club) "That's what our mentors are there for. They're caring, responsible adults that want to help make a difference in our young folks' lives."


This is one of those pairs. Meet Jade and Glenys.

For at least an hour each week, the two spend time together. They work on homework, or the computer. They play Basketball, and just chat.

(Jade Moran, Boys and Girls Club) "We study for my test and play games on the computer."


(Glenys Holter, Mentor - Boys and Girls Club) "Kids need to feel wanted. And I try to do that for Jade."


Over the last three years, this mentoring program has matched more than sixty kids with mentors.

As a result of that success, the Boys in Girls Club in New Town turned into a movie set this week.

Dr. Susan Weinberger, president of the Connecticut-based Mentor Consulting Group, traveled to see first hand what the mentors in New Town are doing.

In the midst of observing, interviewing, and Filming, she found a community that she says is taking proactive steps to change its future.

(Dr. Susan Weinberger, President - Mentor Consulting Group) "The mentees themselves are improving their attitudes, their self-esteem, their peer relationships, their desire to stay in school and improve their academics."


And she found a definitive answer to the question the government asked three years ago.

(Dr. Weinberger) "In Indian country, mentoring does make a difference."


It does work, and she says it's changing the world one child at a time.

In New Town, Abby Wuellner, KX News.

The video will be compiled and sent across to clubs across the nation.

If you'd like to learn more about mentoring, you can contact your nearest Boys and Girls Club. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list