LAMP (Learning Assistance and Mentoring Partnerships) is a collaboration among Pittsburgh Public Schools, Family Guidance and area churches to serve high-risk, gang-prone youth from middle and elementary schools. Faison Elementary and Faison Middle School are the LAMP designated schools in Homewood-Brushton.
The primary goal of LAMP is to mentor the children who are most at-risk to become involved in gang-related activities before they are drawn into that lifestyle. The Pittsburgh Public Schools Intervention Team will track and refer students to pair with role models specifically chosen according to each child’s needs. Participating church congregations will supply volunteer mentors, who will be trained and matched by Family Guidance. Churches will be equipped over a three-year period to establish their own community mentoring programs. Through LAMP, kids will have a friend when they didn’t have one before. They will have someone to talk to, someone to help them with their homework, someone to involve them in positive activities in their neighborhood and around the City. They will find the acceptance and belonging they desire, but in an encouraging environment that offers hope for a bright future.
If you feel led to become a mentor, or believe your church has a vision to serve, contact LAMP coordinator, Bryan McCabe in Homewood, 724-822-7067 or Joanne Galinowski, One-to-One Program Director at jgalinowski@familyguidance.net.
