Perry County Community Task Force
Helping today's youth become tomorrow's leaders
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do to help?
If you believe in the positive potential of a child and have an hour a week to give to one of the children on the waiting list, you might want to consider being a mentor. There are all kinds of kids with all kinds of needs, and you just might be the person to help them out. If you would like the opportunity to work with one of the individuals on the CHAMPS Mentoring Program's waiting list, please contact us at 573.547.1292 for more information.
The Perry County Community Task Force offers a variety of opportunities for interested individuals/companies to lend a helping hand. Since all of the programs provided by the Task Force are free, there is always a need for donations or matching funds. We are a 501c3 tax-exempt organization; therefore, donations are tax deductible. Please contact us at 573.547.1292 to find out how your money could benefit Perry County youth. Donations may be sent to:
Perry County Community Task Force
21 S. Main St.
Perryville, MO 63775
How will my participation benefit me or my company?
Not only do participants benefit through personal satisfaction of helping today's youth, they also have a chance to enjoy life by having fun with the person they are mentoring.
Company participation benefits both the youth and the company involved by improving the skills of youth entering the workforce. Business Owners may also feel the personal satisfaction of helping today's youth, while at the same time receive public recognition through the media and other marketing techniques.
How do I refer a child to one of the Task Force programs?
If you are referring your own child to CHAMPS, fill out the following forms: Letter of Permission, Checklist of Needs, Interest Inventory and mail them to us at:
Perry County Community Task Force
21 S. Main St.
Perryville, MO 63775
If you are referring someone else's child/youth, please complete and submit the Referral Form.
*Remember all youth participants must be Perry County residents.
How do we know the PCCTF is credible?
The Perry County Community Task Force began in 1995 and has created a total of 10 programs since its start. All 10 programs continue to be a great success. In January 2004, the Task Force received certification through the Division of Mental Health. All staff are college graduates and have been certified as Missouri Prevention Specialist. Paid professionals assist in the creation and implementation of the programs, which are based on model curriculums. Other counties have also contacted the Task Force for assistance in setting up similar programs in their communities.
All mentors go through training and various background checks. Policies have been written and implemented to prevent opportunities for abuse. All mentors have also completed the Confidentiality Statement and Code of Ethics.
Counselors and contracted employees are always available to give assistance to both volunteers and participants. These individuals are able to be contacted at any time, and will provide volunteers and participants with the one-on-one personal attention that they need to be successful.
What kind of needs do participants in these programs have?
Each child has his own unique needs. Many of our youth have problems with self-esteem and/or dealing with unstable homes. Some youth are not doing well in school, or do not have great expectations of themselves. Others have experimented with drugs, or do not have respect for others. While there are many other behaviors and situations that cause these youth to be high-risk, these are the ones that seem to be the most common.
How do I become a CHAMPS Mentor?
Contact Us!! We have periodic trainings for mentors. There is a continual need for caring adults to mentor children. Individual mentors are given the opportunity to pick the child they feel they will personally be able to help the most. Mentors are able to select the day of the week and school where they wish to mentor for one hour per week.
What kind of education/training do I need to become a mentor?
Mentors are not required to have any type of degree, but need to genuinely care about youth and believe in their capacity to make positive changes. Mentors are required to successfully complete a background check, successfully complete mentor training, agree and sign a Confidentiality Statement, and agree and sign a Code of Ethics.
How can I help with any of the other programs?
There are numerous ways to assist with these programs. Financial contributions to the Task Force are very important, for without them, these programs will not be able to continue. Guest speakers are often used to help motivate our youth to make the changes they need to make or to keep up their good work. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in talking to Perry County's youth, please contact us. We are always looking for avenues to improve our programs, either through finding new ways to present information, adding healthy alternative activities to substance use, or by incorporating new ideas. The present need for volunteers is greatest in the CHAMPS Mentoring Program, but all help is greatly appreciated. Please call 573.547.1292 if you feel you can help in any way.
What are the Task Force's plans for the future?
The PCCTF continues to endeavor to work with all entities within the area to bring our mission and vision statements to reality. To accomplish this, the Task Force conducts period community assessments; works on building the capacity to address the identified needs; develops comprehensive plans to address the identified problems; implements evidence-based programs, policies, and practices; conducts continuing evaluations to determine effectiveness of their efforts; and then makes adjustments to keep their efforts pertinent, current, and effective.
Through input from all interested entities and individuals, the aim is to have a drug-free community where, not only youth, but each person feels valued, fulfilled, and able to reach their maximum potential.