by Jerry Milani
Newark Mentoring Movement, an organization with a network of Newark based youth mentoring programs, is holding their seventh annual charity golf outing on Monday, June 18 at Bayonne Golf Club in Bayonne, NJ. This outing helps to raise critical funds so that they can carry out their vision: all school-aged Newark youth having supportive mentoring relationships. NMM is transforming the Newark mentoring field, by lifting up and growing local mentoring programs so they are stronger, larger, and more accessible. This past year, their network of over 50 programs have collectively served over 4,000 youth.
Senator Cory Booker and New York GiantMark Herzlich have teamed up with Newark Mentoring Movement to co-host this year’s event. Other notable attendees include Justin Tuck, Bill Ard, Billy Taylor, Karl Nelson, Tina Cervasio, Rich Vos and Rob Marciano.
“Newark Mentoring Movement (NMM) is all about building the relationships that are at the heart of powerful communities,” explained NMM Executive Director Elizabeth Weisholtz. “We work to make sure that all children in Newark have the supportive relationships they need, and in order to do this, we are building a community of mentors and mentoring programs that not only support the youth but also each other. Research shows that having a mentor has a powerful, positive impact on a young person’s academic and personal development as they grow to adulthood. Our vision is for all of Newark’s young people to be able to grow up in, and one day lead, this kind of vibrant and powerful community,” Weisholtz concluded.
“One of the most valuable experiences of my life, from my teenage years to even now as a US Senator, has been being a mentor,” said Senator Booker. “Don’t complain about the world, when you can be part of the solution. Don’t say that the world needs more love and more compassion, that somebody should do something about the challenges facing our children, be that somebody. Be a mentor.”
“I have been very blessed to have many great mentors in my life who have taught me core values and the groundwork that propelled future learning,” said Herzlich. I am honored to be a part of a movement to recreate these influential mentorship opportunities for the next generation of young leaders.”
Last year, NMM hosted a mentee roundtable, as a way for the mentees to connect with accomplished, inspiring adults who have greatly benefited from mentoring in their own lives. The program was so rewarding for all involved, that the organization has decided to expand on it at this year’s outing. Participants in the roundtable include: Senator Booker, Mark Herzlich, Ethan Medley (NY Giants) , Steve Lefkowitz (Sagewind Capital) , Neil Greenstein, (ShopRite of Newark) , JP Julien (McKinsey & Company) , Charles Rosen (Jersey Cider Works) , Lauran Tuck ( Tuck’s R.U.S.H. for Literacy, Fort Lee Board of Education ), Justin Tuck (retired NY Giants).
