Grizzlies Bring Memphis Mentoring Partnership In-House

The Grizzlies, in a "move to streamline efforts to recruit and train mentors for local youth organizations," have become the new home of the Memphis Mentoring Partnership (MMP), according to Jim Masilak of the Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL. Grizzlies Charitable Foundation Exec Dir Jenny Turner Koltnow said that the decision to bring the MMP "in-house is part of a strategic decision to focus on youth mentoring." Last year, the team "launched its 'TEAM UP' mentoring initiative." Koltnow added that the "new arrangement, which took effect in September, will serve as a 'one-stop shop' for anyone interested in mentoring." Koltnow, who is "one of several Grizzlies employees who also serves as a mentor," said that the "alliance with MMP will allow the foundation to 'reach out to a lot of different organizations and individuals who want to get involved, but aren't at a level where we can fund them.'" Rather than providing direct mentoring, MMP Manager Alayne Shoenfeld said the organization will "make sure those who (do the mentoring) have access to all the materials and answers they need." Shoenfeld: "The association with an NBA club at this level is definitely unique." The Grizzlies foundation so far has recruited Grizzles G Mike Conley Jr. and Univ. of Memphis men's basketball coach John Calipari as spokespersons, "with a full marketing campaign due to launch this month" (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 10/8).