Mentor Center closes doors after 15 years

After 15 years in operation, the Mentor Center of Western Nevada will close its doors today.

“After much discussion and much thought, together, with our Board of Directors at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada, we have come to the conclusion that we will close the Mentor Center,” said Laurie Gorris, chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada, in a letter to mentor volunteers. “As you can imagine, this was not an easy decision, but one that is in the best interest of the kids we serve, our mentors and the club overall.”

Ruth Gordon has served as director of the Mentor Center, under the direction of the Boys & Girls Club, for 14 of its 15 years.

“Carson City has been good to us,” she said. “Our volunteers have been so awesome.”

She said the center has about 90 children in need paired with adult mentors at the time of its closing.

“Some of them will stay together forever,” Gordon said, pointing to her own mentor pairing that has extended 11 years.

Gordon said the closing of the center will leave a void in the community.

“It’s a sad day for the kids in Carson City,” she said. “We all have to do our best to step up and care for the kids.”

Through her time at the Mentor Center, Gordon said, she has seen the children in her program grow up to go to college, or go to jail, start families and begin careers.

It’s all about the relationships I’ve been able to form,” she said. “We did some really good things.”

Gorris did not specify a reason for closing the center. However, the center has struggled through the years to find a consistent source of funding.

Anyone with questions is directed to call Gorris or Diane McCoy at (775) 882-8820.