Teen Growth Through The Paper City Mentoring Project

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The Chillicothe-based Paper City Mentoring Project (PCMP) recently released a mid-year report on the mentoring program.

Since 2016, PCMP has mentored teens with a one-on-one connection through  encouragement by a team of adult mentors and the PCMP staff.

In the organization’s release, PCMP has welcomed new matches and wrapped up a meaningful year with its school-based programs at Pickaway-Ross CTC and the Pioneer School  and hosting 12 incredible enrichment activities and workshops.

PCMP has four weeks remaining in its 12-week Summer Series, a free program made possible by the  Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and the Civics Education Fund, and open to all Ross County teens. The following is more from the 6-month successes PCMP reports in its release. (Photos provided by the PCMP release)

Mid-Year Wins

So far, our teens have connected with eleven incredible community partners to explore local history, civics, art, and more. Along the way, they’ve built meaningful relationships and gained a deeper understanding of how our community works, and how they can play a role in shaping it.

We’ll wrap up the series with teen-led service projects, giving each participant the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned and make a real impact right here in Ross County.

As we reflect on the first half of 2025, we’re proud to share that PCMP has provided over 500 hours of mentorship to more than 35 teens across Ross County.

This support has taken shape through our 1:1 community-based program, group mentoring at the Pioneer School and Pickaway-Ross CTC, and a variety of social enrichment activities. Each hour represents a moment of connection, encouragement, and growth, thanks to the dedicated mentors, staff, and supporters who make it all possible.

Chilli Pickle Classic

We’re beyond grateful to the incredible volunteers, sponsors, partners, and players who made our first annual Chilli Pickle Classic such a success! Thanks to your energy, generosity, and good sportsmanship, we raised over $10,000 to support Ross County teens and invest in the future of our community.

Special thanks to our event sponsors: Shawnee State University, Ware Funeral Home, FLUOR-BWXT, American Legion Post 757, Elevate IV Hydration & Aesthetics, MHC-Kenworth, Adena Health, Integrated Services for Behavioral Health, Ohio University – Chillicothe, and Gerber Insurance & Financial Services.   From fun team names to blazing heat and fierce competition, you showed up in every way, and we can’t wait to do it again next year!

OU-C Prevention Conference

We were honored to present at the Rooted in Wellness: Holistic Approaches Prevention in Southern Ohio conference, where we had the opportunity to share what makes a mentorship truly successful. Alongside our team, both current and graduated mentors and mentees took the stage to offer powerful personal stories and insights into the life-changing impact of mentoring relationships.

We highlighted national research from MENTOR, which shows that 58% of young people say their mentor has supported their mental health, and those with a mentor are 22% more likely to feel a strong sense of belonging while growing up.

By sharing our experiences, we hope to continue raising awareness about the importance, and the urgent need, for mentorship in Ross County.

PCMP Drives: Helping Teens Hit the Road

Learning to drive shouldn’t be out of reach, and with PCMP Drives, it isn’t. This program covers the cost of Driver’s Ed for teens who complete mentoring hours, map out their goals, and volunteer in the community.

This program removes a major financial barrier while teaching responsibility, goal-setting, and service. It’s just one more way PCMP is helping teens move forward, on the road and in life.  It’s about more than a license, it’s about responsibility and growth.

Know a teen who could benefit? Refer them today!

More Than Tools: A Legacy Passed On

Recently, we were contacted by a longtime friend of PCMP, Joel, whose own friend, Jim Easton, had passed away. As his wife sorted through his belongings, she wanted to make sure his cherished tools didn’t just sit unused, she wanted them to go to someone who would put them to good use.

Her husband had served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He was skilled, meticulous, and proud of the work he did with his hands. Those tools told a story of hard work, dedication, and craftsmanship.

We knew exactly who could carry that story forward.

James, a recent graduate of Pickaway-Ross CTC’s welding program and one of our PCMP recent graduates, was the perfect fit. He’s just getting started in his trade and has already shown the same kind of focus and work ethic that marked the life of the man who once owned that toolbox.

Christmas in July

We’re getting into the holiday spirit a little early! Join us in our Christmas in July call to action as we work to raise $2,000 for PCMP Project Christmas, an annual tradition where we provide every PCMP teen with a full family meal and a small, meaningful gift during the holiday season.

It’s our way of ensuring every teen in our program feels seen, supported, and valued during what can be a challenging time of year.

You can help us spread that joy this December by giving today:
💸 Venmo: @pcmppartner
📬 Or mail a check to: Paper City Mentoring Project, 47 S. Paint Street
Chillicothe, OH 45601 (Please include “Project Christmas” in the memo)