Members of Old Lyme's Newest Volunteer Organization Share Their Expertise

In the Lyme-Old Lyme region, there are no fewer than 20 volunteer organizations. You might think that just about every base has been covered at this point, but the most recent addition to that group offers something unique.  

The Mentoring Corps for Community Development (MCCD) was formed in 2012. Its mission: To encourage and empower those with needs by drawing into service volunteer mentors with special talents and expertise; thereby creating a more vital and engaged community.

The group was formed on the basis that Lyme-Old Lyme has a surfeit of untapped talent in the form of retirees and empty-nesters, and a plethora of need stemming from social services, education, small business owners and budding entrepreneurs.  

Hurricane Sandy provided the group's first test. Members of the group worked with victims to help them navigate the maze-like process of dealing with FEMA, insurance, finances, local officials, land use and building codes, tradesmen and, where applicable, the Small Business Administration (SBA.) The attached document follows the case of one family, but might be used as a matrix for future victims. It details the complexity of the issue and the efforts expended by a small group of MCCD volunteers.

At present, MCCD is working with a family that due to unusual circumstances had need of special help. In this case, like others, we help the family access programs that already exist and allow direct them to other sources of help. The group is also involved with a local business that assistance in returning to profitability.

MCCD volunteers have worked with high school students, in terms of career sampling, in the fields of health care, architecture and social work. In doing so, MCCD worked closely with local high school officials and adhered to the practices they require. The concept behind high school mentoring is that while computers can answer many questions regarding a specific career, students are often better served with hands-on experience and the opportunity to question and work with a real person, with expertise in a particular field.

MCCD is working with local and state leaders, in an effort to find common ground and to ensure they are fully aware of our interests and efforts. The group is currently engaged with a budding project termed “Avenue of the Arts,” which is designed to enhance the appeal of Hall’s Road, both for residents and visitors. 

Old Lyme has been noted for well over one hundred years as an outstanding and beautiful art community – as home to the Old Lyme Art Academy, the Florence Griswold Museum and the Lyme Art Association. It seems only natural that the entrance to the village should be appropriate to its noted attractions.

In all efforts, MCCD is committed to providing experienced individuals with specific skills and resources to assist individuals in need, students, local entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations.

In regard to the “Sandy” project, First Selectman Bonnie Reemsnyder wrote a nice tribute: “Throughout the process, they [MCCD] have developed a matrix for future reference when disaster strikes. It has been a pleasure supporting their efforts and working with them as needed. Stay tuned for great things from this very impressive group, and many thanks for their selfless efforts on behalf of others.”

You can reach MCCD by e-mail: MCCD@saintannsoldlyme.org; mail to: 1 Pilgrim’s Landing, Old Lyme, CT 06371, or by phone: 860 671 1634. The website is: www.mentoringcorps.org. 

A Press Release from MCCD