On a frigid Saturday morning four days into the new year, supporters of Mentor RI braved the cold to participate in the annual Frozen Clam Dip & Obsta-Plunge, a fundraiser organized to benefit the Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership. Plungers of all ages conquered a Ninja warrior-style obstacle course created by Laid-Back Fitness before splashing into Greenwich Bay at Goddard Park Beach.

Ryan McGowan, owner of Laid-Back Fitness, gave “major props to everyone for showing up today.” In subfreezing temperatures and significant wind chill, the weather provided an additional challenge for plungers and those who came to cheer them on this year. After taking the verbal Frozen Clam Oath, the first wave of participants raced to the obstacle course. Since the inaugural event in 2012, McGowan has been altering the course to make it new and exciting each year.

The 2025 Frozen Clam welcomed 81 official registrants who, in collaboration with community business sponsors, raised more than $13,000 for the organization. These funds will be distributed among the several mentoring programs throughout the state in Warwick, Woonsocket, on Aquidneck Island, and through the statewide Juvenile Justice Initiative. These programs are designed to bridge gaps for at-risk youth facing socio-economic, social, familial and academic challenges.

“January is National Mentoring Month,” said L.A. Busteed, director of community outreach at Mentor RI. “This is a great way to kick off the month and get the word out about mentoring.” Busteed emphasized the importance of giving to nonprofit organizations in the community “now more than ever.”

Sandy Letourneau, Mentor Program Coordinator for Warwick, says “schools are really starting to identify more students who need an extra adult in their support systems.” In Warwick alone, the program has matched about 100 mentors with about 130 students to help foster social-emotional skills and relationships. Christopher Margadonna, senior director of training and partnerships, has noticed a “post-COVID lack of relationships” in younger students that mentors can help to provide.

Sandy Letourneau’s husband, Jay, is a Warwick mentor with three mentees – two second-graders and a sophomore in high school. “It is the best part of my week,” he says. “It’s important for them to talk to an adult who isn’t an authority figure.” Mentoring is logistically simple because it occurs in school buildings during school hours. Jay Letourneau also emphasized how rewarding the program is. “You feel good after you leave,” he said.

Mentor RI is always searching for new mentors, especially men and college students. The commitment is only one hour per week for at least one year. Mentors are matched with students based on the mentor’s preferences and availability.

“Most of these kids, no one sits down to play a game with them,” Sandy Letourneau said. “You just have to show up and listen to the kid. Consistency makes a huge difference.” For those interested in becoming a mentor, please see the form on Mentor RI’s website, at https://mentorri.org/become-a-mentor/.