EVANSTON — The Beeman-Cashin Building was abuzz on Tuesday, Feb. 20, as local youth who are part of the Mentor Match Program organized by the Uinta County Business Leadership Network scooped ice cream and sang happy birthday to one of their peers. 

The event was organized to introduce the mentees and mentors to the new program coordinator, Bethany Shidler. She took the position in January and has since been busy putting together plans that will help the program move forward into a sustainable future. 

Currently, the program has 11 youth matched with qualified mentors. These pairs spend time together doing activities throughout the community. Places such as the movie theater, the bowling alley and the recreation center offer discounts to the mentors and mentees, allowing them to participate in fun and meaningful outings together. 

The selection process for the mentorship “focuses on kids that have disabilities, are high risk, or have been in the juvenile system,” said Shidler. 

The goal of the program is to match the youth with an adult and role model with whom they can have a healthy relationship. 

Mentee Kassidy Hutchinson celebrated her 16th birthday at the event. She was beyond thrilled when her mentor, Kristina Ruiz, gave her a blanket and pillow with her name embroidered on them. The friendship between these two was obvious as they joked about who was a better bowler. 

The program has experienced great success and has made a difference in the lives of the youth.

“They’re taking time out of their lives to help these youth learn and grow,” said UCBLN executive director Wanda Rogers. 

The program is actively looking for new potential mentors. Currently, there are 13 young people anxiously waiting to be matched with a mentor. Those interested in participating should call Shidler at (307) 783-6302.