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Just a few hours a week
can make a life-long
impact on a child's life. |
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Douglas County Program
of Metro Denver Partners |
In Castle Rock Cheryl Bumgarner and Robert have been
matched since January 2002. Robert lives with his mom and stepfather
in Castle Rock. Cheryl raised three boys and requested a match with
a boy. Cheryl and Robert have built a strong relationship over the
last 3 years.
They spend a lot of time working on Robert's self-esteem and self
worth. She works hard to expose Robert to new experiences and new
ways of doing things, as well as appropriate ways to communicate and
act like a well- mannered young man. Robert's mom is very supportive
of the program and is pleased with the relationship.
Robert has matured tremendously, thanks to this mentoring bond. It’s
a very strong Partnership, that’s very active. Most importantly,
they genuinely enjoy each other's company immensely.
Jeff & Andrea with Lucas
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Metro Denver Partners in the Washington Park community
Lucas, 12, was matched in 2002
with Jeffrey and Andrea Milanovich, Washington Park
residents. Lucas, 11, is the oldest of four children
and lives with his Mom and adoptive father. He’s struggled
with many issues throughout his young life, and has gained
inner strength and a positive outlook on life. Lucas is now
doing well in school and dreams of one day becoming a
professional hockey player.
Lucas’ mentoring arrangement is slightly
different; he was matched with a couple. They have a
wonderful time being mentors to Lucas and have chosen to
continue their relationship beyond the required one-year.
“We plan to continue being a part of Lucas’ life forever”,
said Jeff Milanovich. Together they have participated in a
variety of activities, including white water rafting,
skiing, and family times such as meals and household chores.
“We had no idea how rewarding mentoring was going to be. We
worried about the responsibility of giving our time
consistently. Ironically, once we started doing it, we
looked forward to every visit and activity we shared with
Lucas,” said Andrea Milanovich. |
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Tutoring Program of Metro Denver Partners |
Metro Denver Partners’
Tutoring Program offers tutoring for Northeast Denver
boys and girls, ages 9-14. Adult volunteers serve as tutors
who meet with the youth once a week to work on math,
reading, and computer skills. Enrichment activities are
offered in youth leadership, life skills building, cultural
modeling, school success, and career awareness.
Dan Johnson was Jimmy’s tutor in November 2002. At the end
of the school year he became Jimmy’s mentor (Senior
Partner). They are now into their second year, and Jimmy is
in 5th grade at Wyatt Edison Elementary School.
“Jimmy and I hit it off right away,” says Dan. He’s an
expressive, bright, inquisitive kid who is not shy. Jimmy
is willing to try and do different things with an open mind,
and positive, adventurous spirit. He loves nature and all
types of animals. And, his mother is very supportive.”
Having been involved with Partners for many years, Dan
enthusiastically supports the mentoring concept. “I really
love it,” exclaims Dan. “It’s an outlet to give of myself
in a really meaningful and impacting volunteer
opportunity.”
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