HELP FOR MENTOR/ROLE MODEL PROGRAM — Halifax County Sheriff D. J. Oakes this week presented a $5,000 check to Laurietta Faulkner, executive director of the Mentor Role Model Program. The money came from the county's drug forfeiture program. (Danny Lamberth photo)

The Mentor/Role Model Program has, for more than 15 years, provided a
positive and profound influence on the lives of at-risk youth in
Halifax County, according to Halifax County Sheriff D. J. Oakes. "My
office has worked closely with the program's Board of Directors as well
as Executive Directors Rev. Kevin Chandler and Laurietta Faulkner by
providing criminal background investigations of all mentor applicants. 
The services of my office have been provided to the Mentor/Role Program
as the first step in safeguarding the hundreds of young people whose
lives this program has enriched," Oakes says.
"Mentoring has proven to be most effective in reducing alcoholism and
drug usage among young people.  Young people who have completed the
program have increased chances of positive growth socially, emotionally
and academically.  If one child's life is positively changed by this
program's efforts, our community is so much better off as a result.  I
applaud the Mentor/Role Model Program for its unfaltering devotion to
the youth of Halifax County.
"As part of our dedication to our community and our determination to
make the Mentor/Role Program successful, my office is pleased to make a
donation in the amount of $5,000 from our asset forfeiture funds. 
Property seized from drug investigations and other criminal activity
can now be liquidated and the proceeds reinvested in the future of
Halifax County, our youth.  I can't think of a better use!" the Sheriff
says.