Partners expand each other's worlds

By Gary Raham
Wellington Correspondent

Rachelle Atkinson and Rachel Westhoff share more than similar first names. They love to cook, plant, watch movies and even complete each other's sentences as they describe their association with Partners--a program that matches at-risk youth with adult mentors.

"Partners has allowed me to develop a relationship with someone I never would have known otherwise. It's expanded my world," said Atkinson, senior partner of the pair.

"Yes," agreed Westhoff, "I never would have known Rachelle without Partners."

Westhoff, nearly 12, attended sixth grade at Eyestone Elementary in Wellington. Atkinson, a former elementary teacher, now runs an outfitting business with her husband, Wes.

Though the Partners program started in Denver in 1968 and has been in Larimer County since 1978, many potential senior partners may not be aware it exists. A therapist referred Westhoff to the program, but she waited a year before she was eventually matched with Atkinson. Boys may wait even longer.

"Tell people we need men," said Tracy Cornutt, executive director of the organization in Larimer County. "More boys are referred," she said, "but we get more women volunteers."

Individuals are matched 1-to-1 with a partner of the same sex. Senior partners are thoroughly screened in a process that can take up to a couple of months, said activities director Jennifer Lanphere. Candidates need four references and are fingerprinted as part of the process.

Senior partners need only commit three hours a week to their mentoring for one year, but friendships formed often go on much longer. Atkinson and Westhoff have been sharing adventures for about a year and a half now. Some activities are program-sponsored, or have to fit certain criteria. For example, senior partners must involve junior partners in at least one life skill and participate in at least one community service project. Beyond that, activities can be as simple as "hanging out" or going out to dinner somewhere. Westhoff suggested Westminster's Butterfly Pavilion to Atkinson, which they both enjoyed.

"I go places and do things I wouldn't do otherwise," said Atkinson, as she reminded Westhoff that they should go horseback riding again.

Junior partners can often get needed time off from family or other stresses that can be good for all concerned.

"I get along better with my mom, now," said Westhoff.

Senior partners are urged to be nonjudgmental. Being an effective role model, says one of the handouts, can be achieved by following three simple principles: Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It is better to give than to receive.

Atkinson and Westhoff have gotten so much out of their partnership, that they urge others to get involved.

"There's really a need for senior partners," said Atkinson. "Some kids have to wait two years. I'd like to see Partners get more name recognition in the community. It's a place where I can give."

For those looking for more information about the program, check out www.partnersmentoringyouth.org or call 484-7123. Although Partners gets some state and local grants, they also rely on fund-raisers and corporate donors to keep their program functioning. Random acts of kindness are always welcome.