Area residents who would like to help influence the next generation for the better have an opportunity to serve with Cross JR! The structured mentoring program meets weekly at Blue Ball and Brecknock elementary schools and twice a week at New Holland Elementary.

Julia Bills, mentor and education manager with CrossNet Ministries, oversees the program, which is designed for fourth- and fifth-grade students. Using journal topics, mentors work with students to help build leadership skills and emotional resources while learning about God and doing fun activities. Bills said the program is in need of 10 more volunteers and slots can be filled based on the volunteer's proximity to the elementary school. Cross JR! meets from 3:15 to 5 p.m. at Blue Ball Elementary each Tuesday, at Brecknock and New Holland elementary schools each Wednesday, and again at New Holland each Thursday. The program will be held from the week of Oct. 22 through the week of April 29, 2025.

According to Julia, each session of Cross JR! begins with the students and mentors together enjoying a snack and completing a puzzle. The ice breaker period is followed by games and a group time. Each session has a theme such as "I Can Persevere," "Practice Is Important," "I Am Loved," and "I Am Valuable." "We talk about what to do when things don't go our way, and we focus on the idea of 'I'm not good at this yet, and if I work hard, this can help me grow,'" said Julia. "The last part is one-on-one time where the student and the mentor work with the journal and do an activity," said Julia. "If we have time, we do a game at the end before (the students are) picked up by their parents."

Julia, who accepted her position at CrossNet in February, is originally from Huntingdon. She came to Lancaster County to attend Lancaster Bible College, where she earned both her undergraduate and master's degrees in social work. Following school, Julia worked at a foster care agency and then as the social worker for the family emergency shelter at Water Street Mission. She and her husband, Jesse, who is a pastor, make their home in New Holland. Julia, who oversees CrossNet's community mentor program, school programs, and poverty education programs, including the Bridges Out of Poverty classes, was attracted to the organization's mission. "I wanted to be part of a local ministry, and I love what CrossNet does," she said.

Julia noted that individuals who are interested in volunteering for the Cross JR! program may email julia@elancocross.org or call 717-355-2454 and ask for Julia.