Volunteer shares Connections information

In 1986, Alleghany Connections opened its doors to serve the needs of local youth. Randy Murphy, who has served as a mentor to a local 9-year-old for about a year recently discussed his thoughts on the organization. Murphy joined with Alleghany Connections and he is quick to point out it was a great decision. He noted working with the program, a mentoring program similar to Big Brother, Big Sister that he is able to relive parts of his childhood with one of the group's youth that is being helped.

"The reason I got involved with Connections, I was raised by a single parent, but I had a lot of uncles; I had that person in my life to go fishing with. I see a lot of kids out there who did not have it as fortunate as I did," explained Murphy. "The kid that I've got has a really good family, got a good mom and good sisters, they work a lot."

During their time together, Murphy and the third grader have worked on homework together, gone fishing and to a college football game—both firsts for the youngster. In addition, Murphy helps the youth by serving as a coach of the youth's peewee baseball team, as well as coaching the football team of which the youngster is a part.

To someone who is interested in getting involved with Connections, Murphy pointed out, "I can promise them that they'll get as much benefit out of it as the kid will. I have."

Murphy supports the program so much that he remarked if he were ever lucky enough to win the lottery that Director Leann Joines "wouldn't have to worry about donations; I would be sure to let it continue because it's one of the best organizations I've been involved in….Leann does such a wonderful job."

Purpose and Mission

Connections Director Leann Joines explained the purpose of the organization has not changed since its inception.

"We are committed to recruiting caring, mature and responsible adult volunteers to provide the youth served with a positive one-on-one relationship." Joines stated. She continued, "Most of our youth who are referred to Alleghany Connections are experiencing difficulties at school, home or in the community. Children who are a part of Alleghany Connections are referred to our program by school counselors, law enforcement officers, juvenile court counselors or other agencies."

The organization is led by a board of directors who volunteer their time toward the effort and as such establish program policies, monitor the program and assist with fund-raising.

At present, the organization lost its state funding and is dependent on monies and individuals willing to support the organization that serves Alleghany youth.

Murphy stated the organization is accepting grant funds and donations to help the nonprofit to continue its services.

"This is a program the county needs," Murphy bluntly noted.

Want to Volunteer?

Those interested in volunteering with Alleghany Connections are to meet four qualifications, including: being mature and open-minded, be at least 18, have reliable transportation and be willing to make the necessary commitment.

Joines further explained that potential volunteers

Randy Murphy has been an Alleghany Connections volunteer for about a year.