Carl Barton (left), a small business owner, became a mentor to Chris, a young man at a Youth Villages group home. Barton took Chris on outings to the movies, the park and more. Their relationship helped bring joy to Chris’ life and encouraged him to achieve his life goals.
Mentors Offer Support Carl Barton, a small business owner, always enjoyed volunteering with youth but wanted to do more. He signed up to become a Youth Villages Chris Crye mentor. The mentor program, named in honor of Chris Crye, a dedicated mentor whose life was cut short due to a horseback-riding accident, was begun more than a decade
ago to provide Youth Villages children with caring adult mentors. The program is supported through donations from Crye-Leike, Realtors. Barton was matched with Chris, 13. Going on outings, Chris and Barton soon got to know and appreciate each other. Their blossoming relationship also helped Chris make advancements in his therapy, and he
eventually moved back to his family. “I am a strong believer in Christ, that much has been given and that you are supposed to invest in people,” Barton says. “This is a good avenue to do it in.” Youth Villages also partners with the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services to provide mentors to foster children through the Governor’s Mentoring Initiative.
YOUTH VILLAGES | PROGRAM REPORT
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