Cooke County United Way launched a new mentoring program in partnership with Gainesville ISD's W.E. Chalmers Elementary School. This program is designed to help students that just need some support and provides an opportunity for students to connect and learn from experienced community leaders in a casual setting. Through this “Lunch with a Leader” program, volunteers provide mentorship and act as an additional support system to identified students who need assistance and help academically, mentally, or emotionally through activities such as reading, tutoring, games, and communication to further educational growth.
By leveraging the connections with Pacesetter Companies and their employees who are in leadership roles and/or in management positions, and who are looking to get more involved in the community, Cooke County United Way can connect them as mentors to the school through this program. Gainesville ISD will leverage the school counselors, administration, and student leadership groups to help as mentors and additional support to students. Other potential volunteers are Cooke County United Way’s partner agency board members and leaders, as well as social and/or civic groups.
This program luanched in September 2025, with 12 volunteers and is looking to expand to 30 volunteers in the spring of 2026.