A program that has served at-risk youth in the area since 1984 is beefing up its services to mentor more students.

Pamlico Pals has flown under the radar for years, with not many people knowing about its existence, but with new leadership, the nonprofit that mentors at-risk youth is gaining traction, according to Shont’e Mason, the program’s new director.

Mason started as director July 1, and since, has tried to bring the program to the forefront, she said.

The organization partners with Beaufort County Schools, which hosts the program, as well as the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council and the City of Washington provides office space for its administrative operations, according to Michele Oros, director of grants and development with BCS.

The program has transitioned to a curriculum that better fits the community and its youth by helping them get along with others, Mason said. The program gives at-risk and court-involved juveniles, ages 7-17, in Beaufort County, the chance to succeed through a new curriculum called Arise, one that helps participants learn social, conflict resolution and decision-making skills, according to Mason.

The Arise curriculum is designed to improve behavior and promote positive relationships with their peers through small-group mentoring, as well as help improve school attendance and performance and teach coping skills to offset negative behavior.

Mason, a criminal justice major, said she wanted to get involved to help give at-risk youth in the area more opportunity.

“I’ve always wanted to help troubled youth,” Mason said. “Everyone deserves a second chance and youth don’t always have the things they need to succeed. Regardless of their background or history they come from, they’ll still have a chance to become successful.”

The organization mentors students at two different schools in the county — Chocowinity Middle School and P.S. Jones Middle School — mainly because the two sites are the source of most of the program’s participants, according to Mason. It meets every Monday and Wednesday, from 2:40-4:40 p.m. at CMS and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-5 p.m. at P.S. Jones.

Mason said so far, the program is off to a good start this year. The organization is working with schools to tweak its referral process, allowing youth, who actually need help, the ability to access the program.

Pamlico Pals has also increased its online presence, mainly through Facebook, making information about the program more readily available and reaching more people, Mason said. There is also a dire need for adult volunteers who are willing to get involved, Oros said.

The program is so important to children who are struggling in school and with behavioral issues and need help staying on the right path, Mason said.

“One of the critical elements of our strategic plan is our commitment to meet the unique needs of each student,” said Dr. Don Phipps, Beaufort County Schools superintendent. “This program is an excellent example of how we can partner with others to maximize access and utilization of resources within our community to better serve our students. We are fortunate to have Pamlico Pals as a resource to help meet the needs of students, helping them better themselves in the classroom and in life.”

Those wishing to donate to the program can donate directly to the organization, according to Mason.

For more information, contact Shont’e Mason, director of Pamlico Pals, at 252-946-0185 or email at smason@beaufort.k12.nc.us.