Clearfield County proclaims January 2026 National Mentoring Month; program says eight children are waiting for mentors

Clearfield County Commissioners on Dec. 23, 2025 adopted a proclamation designating January 2026 as National Mentoring Month in the county and recognized local mentoring providers.

Michael Mullins, a youth mentoring program representative, told the board the program carries no fees, requires mentor screening and child-safety training, and typically pairs mentors who meet with mentees twice a month for about four hours. "The program provides mentors to a child for extra support, encouragement, and friendship," Mullins said, and he told commissioners that eight children in Clearfield County are currently waiting to be matched. He said adults 18 and older are eligible to apply.

The chair read the formal proclamation and commissioners approved it by voice vote. The board arranged for a signed copy of the proclamation to be provided to the program and invited a photo with county officials.

Why it matters: Volunteers expand capacity for youth services in the county, and the program’s waiting list indicates unmet demand for vetted mentors. The proclamation is largely ceremonial but serves to raise public awareness and encourage recruitment ahead of January.

The board took no further action beyond approving the proclamation; the county did not attach funding or a formal program directive to the proclamation at the meeting.