The City of Wheeling’s Parks and Recreation Department is the recipient of a $72,500 youth mentoring grant from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). The funding will be used to start a mentoring program for City youth. 

Director of Parks and Recreation Rochelle Barry said the award was made possible by the U.S. Department of Justice - Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. 

“The mentor program, titled Game Changers, will focus on giving children insight into various career paths. It will also provide assistance with homework, physical and mental health, and it will encourage participants to get involved in the community,” she said, noting the funding will also assist with specialized training for staff and volunteers and providing supplies for the various activities. “We are fortunate to be able to bring such an invaluable program to the Friendly City.”

The Game Changers program, for ages 7–17, will include lessons on cooking, doing laundry, budgeting, martial arts, yoga and more. These activities will take place at the City’s Nelson Jordan Center as well as other locations in Wheeling. Participation in the program is free. Parents wishing to register a child should visit www.wheelingrec.com or go to the Game Changers table at the Men of Change Back to School Block Party on Aug. 20 at the Tunnel Green Recreation Complex, East Wheeling.

Those interested having the program visit your business and individuals who wish to be a mentor should contact Barry at rbarry@wheelingwv.gov for an application. All mentors are required to be fingerprinted and pass a background check.