Index

The BEAM Mission

The Blue Earth Area Mentors has a specific mission for their presence in

Blue Earth and the surrounding communities of Faribault County. The mentors

and Board of Directors will

	Put forth a positive demeanor
	Show affirmative attitude toward life decisions and dilemmas
	Build the child's self esteem
	Model a healthy lifestyle.

BEAM would like our youth in the Blue Earth community to have the opportunity to

hope in their own future and see the community as a place of love, support and

acceptance. BEAMS board of directors and mentors will devote time and attention

to our youth through activities that are part of the program.

Brief History

The Blue Earth Area Mentors were established in 1997, when Jean Bierly of Interfaith

Caregivers and Brian Koranda of Counseling Associates began discussing the need for

mentoring within our community.

A call for mentors was given to the whole community and eleven people responded to be

mentors. The committee and original mentors developed policies and guidelines based on

those programs that are already established. By 1999, BEAM hired a coordinator for

five hours per week, and the program was established as a 501-C3 non-profit corporation

in September of that year.

BEAM is supported financially through the generosity of Businesses, community clubs,

service organizations, communities of faith, and independent individuals and families in

the Blue Earth Area. The United Hospital District had given office space as an in kind

gift to BEAM.