Chippewa Falls mentor program going strong into 30th year

Two new faces are welcoming students to a small, brightly-colored office tucked away in the Chippewa Falls Middle School, which houses the Chippewa Area Mentor Program.

Lisa Husom and Jill Herriges are taking over 200-plus mentor-student relationships in Chippewa Falls. The program matches students from ten area schools with adult “mentors,” who spend time with the students once a week.

The relationships often last for years, Herriges said. “One (mentor’s) relationship with their student lasted from kindergarten through senior year of high school. That’s awesome.”

The pairing begins when a teacher or counselor recognizes a student who could benefit from mentoring. Once the student’s parents give their permission, the student becomes eligible for the program.

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