Operation Restoration aiding youth through online mentorship

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — An organization partnered with Eastern Gateway Community College is now offering online mentorship to youth in need.

Operation Restoration, which officially launched Thursday, is an online program in which children who have been abused can seek advice from mentors.

Operation Restoration has partners in several states around the country to assist their efforts.

Founder Marvin Barner, Jr., pastor at Second Baptist Church, said the need for this program is crucial since the numbers in child abuse and molestation have increased since the start of the pandemic.

"Often times when we mention mental health, we always think about adults who’ve had hard times,” Barner said. “We always think about adults who’ve been disenfranchised. But situations like this, we have children who are going to become adults. So, we want to get into their mindset and guide them in the right direction before they get older."

For more information on Operation Restoration and its services, tap or click here.