This January saw the launch of a new, exciting program in Denver by Agudas Yisroel of Colorado. Kesher, a big-sister-little-sister program, pairs up post-seminary women with middle school girls and provides them with the opportunity to enjoy quality time through one-on-one outings twice a month. Prototyped after Agudah of Illinois’ program, Kesher is designed to foster positive relationships and role-modeling for Denver’s younger generation.
Already in its first month, Kesher has seen much positive feedback. Both mentors and mentees expressed enthusiasm about the program and were eager to begin their outings and build relationships. “My daughter is always asking for an older sister,” one mother relates. “As soon as I saw this program, I thought, ‘Wow! Where do I sign up?'”
Each Kesher mentor is specially recruited by Mrs. Faigy Gertz, Assistant Menaheles at Hillel Academy of Denver and Denver’s Director of Kesher. After the initial screening, the mentor then goes through a formal training with a licensed Denver-area social worker, Mrs. Adina Krausz, LCSW. Throughout the program, mentors periodically check in with Mrs. Gertz and can reach out to Mrs. Krausz as well for ongoing guidance.
“A key element of Agudah’s mission is to provide programs that cater to the individual as well as contribute to community growth,” says Rabbi Yossi Kaplan, Director of Agudas Yisroel of Colorado. “This program helps us do both.”
Mrs. Gertz is excited about the program too. “I believe that the relationships created through Kesher will be invaluable in the lives of the participants,” she remarks. “I look forward to seeing how Kesher will grow and expand.”