|
Just a few hours a week can make a life-long
impact on a child's life. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 “Working
in the Juvenile Justice System convinced me that kids in our community
were in dire need of positive adult role models,” explains Debbie
Bloch. First she worked with GRASP as a volunteer and through her
school work.
It was at this point she met Regina Huerter, who was a Counselor at
Partners. Huerter became a professional mentor to Debbie and
influenced her decision to become a mentor. “I knew I wanted to be a
mentor and this was the time,” exclaims Debbie. “I was so busy with
school, work, and other commitments, but becoming a mentor was very
important, so I pushed to be matched. I asked for a kid who was
struggling, but had some family support.
That’s when I met 11 year old Averi.
“From the beginning, I’ve been lucky that Averi’s Mom puts her kids
first. It’s helped me as I’ve tried to instill in Averi the
motivational support and tools my parents gave me,” stresses Debbie.
“It’s been important to expose Averi to new experiences while helping
her to become more confident; to believe in herself and her abilities.
At first we mostly did activities sponsored by Partners. Gradually we
branched off to other activities.” A good skier herself, Debbie found
Averi to be a natural skier, too. Being creative, Debbie found an
affordable ski pass and inexpensive equipment for Averi. They have
shared many great times on the slopes.
“At 16 Averi came close to making some bad decisions,” says Debbie.
“We’d been spending less time together, and it had been nearly six
months since we’d last talked. I ran into her brother who suggested I
call her because he believed my friendship with Averi was very
important to her.” Shortly after that conversation, Debbie called
Averi and became re-involved with her life.
They spent time together participating in activities and talking. “I
was able to help her rethink some choices she was making,” stresses
Debbie.
Today, Averi is 18 and a freshman in College. “I’m so proud of her,”
said Debbie. “She’s a gorgeous young woman with a good head on her
shoulders. Our contact remains ongoing and our relationship is filled
with love, respect, and warmth.”
back to top
|
|
|
 |
Matt, a Junior
Partner, was referred by Douglas County Juvenile Diversion. He’d
gotten into |
trouble and
counselors felt a male mentor would help. His father died when he
was only two, and living with his mom and sister didn’t offer him
any significant male role models.
He was matched with Kevin in November 2001. Their year together
has gone so quickly and they plan to continue as Alumni.
Together they strung holiday lights on each other’s homes, played
hockey, discussed relationships, attended golf clinics, explored
potential career options, and worked on improving Matt’s grades.
After a year of sharing, listening, and learning, Matt says he’s
“grateful for the Partners’ Program….and for Kevin.” Matt feels he
would not have matured or learned so much so quickly if it weren’t
for his Senior Partner |
|
|
|
