Gibbons to Attend Youth Forum; Encourages Mentoring Programs

Press Release from Bill Gibbons for Governor, March 9, 2010:

Memphis, TN – Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons pledges to support the growth of mentoring programs aimed at improving life for at-risk children who are more likely to move in and out of the juvenile justice system.

“I know first-hand how important it is to have caring adults in young people’s lives to help lead them in the right direction. My father walked out on us when I was four years old, and I watched as my mother struggled to make ends meet. I was skipping school at an early age. I found hope from individuals who took an interest in my life — a teacher who schooled me in lessons beyond the textbooks, a minister who introduced me to the church I’ve attended for more than forty years, even the man who bought my childhood home and farm in foreclosure. Not only did he hire me to work on that farm, but he also introduced me to politics. Without the support of these people, my life may have gone in a different direction,” Gibbons said.

Gibbons is talking about the importance of mentoring programs in conjunction with his appearance at a gubernatorial forum in Nashville on Wednesday hosted by the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth. The commission is an independent state agency created by the Tennessee General Assembly whose mission is to improve life for our state’s children and families. The Shelby County D.A.’s office oversees a mentoring program for truant students at the middle school level. The effort is funded in part by a grant from the commission.

“I started the program in large part because of my own experiences growing up. While I’m not proposing to grow government, I am suggesting we tap into the volunteer spirit of the Volunteer State. I think with encouragement from the next governor, we can grow the number of people committed to supporting Tennessee children and keep them off a path that often leads to crime,” Gibbons added.

Bill Gibbons, a Republican, is the Shelby County District Attorney General, serving as the top state law enforcement official in Tennessee’s largest jurisdiction. He entered the governor’s race on January 4, 2009. For more information on Bill Gibbons, visit his campaign website at www.Gibbons2010.com.

Related posts:

1. Gibbons Files Paperwork for Gubernatorial Race
2. Gibbons: State Government Neglects Memphis Colleges
3. Gibbons Campaign Outlines Priorities for Fighting Crime
4. Gubernatorial Candidate Forum Scheduled for Children’s Advocacy Days: March 9-10
5. Gibbons Tours The MED, Learns About Challenges Facing Trauma Center

Tagged as: 2010, candidate, election, Gibbons, mentor