Education Mentoring Program Opportunities

MIDDLETOWN – The Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) and the Children’s Rights Society have collaborated to form a new education mentoring program known as Special Advocates for a Greater Education (SAGE).

DRC already provides volunteer services to the Family Court through its CASA program. The Agency also provides mediation services and education services throughout Orange, Putnam, Sullivan and Ulster Counties. Donna Ramlow is the Executive Director of DRC. “SAGE is a wonderful service for youth that are in foster care or involved in the child welfare system to help guide them throughout their school years until graduation. The hope is that SAGE will provide these students with a greater opportunity to contribute to their communities in the future,” said Ms. Ramlow.

Karen Riley, Esq. is the Chief Attorney and Executive Director of the Children’s Rights Society, a legal services agency for children in Orange County, which represents hundreds of children in foster care in Orange County. “Every day our attorneys and social workers see the effects that trauma, abuse and neglect have on the kids involved in the child welfare system. It’s clear that these factors have a negative effect on their education. We believe that with the proper support from a caring mentor we will see an increase in successful outcomes. This partnership between our agencies will provide a crucial service to the community. DRC will provide the volunteers and we will provide legal consultation services.”

SAGE needs committed volunteers for this new program. Training will be provided. For more information, Contact Chelsea Paterson at 845-DRC-8771 ext. 1004, or register online at http://www.drcservices.org/registration-for-training-s-a-g-e. For more information on other DRC services, contact Donna Ramlow at 845-DRC-8771 ext. 5004 or visit www.drcservices.org.