Stories
"I've gotten more than I ever dreamed out of being a part of this program. I've met some incredible people, some of whom I hope will be a part of my life indefinitely. That includes my youth who tested, challenged, and inspired me. I feel like I have grown tremendously through all that I have learned."
"Jeremy* said things to me he could never say to his mother or his teachers or his best friend or anyone else in his life - things which touched on his most profound concerns and anxieties. And he honored me by listening deeply to what I had to say to him."
"I became a mentor because I though it would be a great way to make a positive difference in the life of a young person. That thought turned out to be an understatement. Every opportunity that my youth and I have to talk and listen to one another teaches me something about her and something about myself. She's never had an adult in her life who listened to her feelings and opinions without judging her or criticizing her or trying to fix her. And to be that person whom she trusts is truly an amazing experience that has taught me more about myself than any other volunteering I've ever done."
"Being a part of a group of adults who care about their community and the youth that live in it was a godsend for me. I've made lifelong friends within the mentor group. And for my youth, my hope is that I've changed her life as much as she's changed mine. Seeing her grow and struggle this past year was an amazing experience. I know that we all make a difference in the lives of these youth."
"I've learned much about myself and about others… I've watched my youth begin the change from childhood to adulthood; sometimes it is quite alarming but with the right perspective the process is amazing to behold."
"I am so lucky to have Tiffany* as my youth. We had an outing today and her cheerful exuberant spirit helped me make it through the day after a death in my family yesterday. Children had so much to give and they aren't even aware of it."
* all names have been changed