Stories from our Mentors…
We’ve been collecting stories, photos and memories from our mentors. Here are some pieces we want to share with you…
Mentorship doesn’t have to be elaborate to be impactful. Often, it’s the simple, consistent things that matter most. Helping with homework. Listening to them read a paper out loud and offering encouragement. Showing genuine interest in what they’re learning. Attending free art classes through WJRF and Yes Arts. Creating art at home. Taking nature walks and hikes. Showing up for community events. Having pep talks. Volunteering together. Setting up for local events and leading by example.
I started mentoring Scout in January 2025 when he had just turned 6. We have had lots of good times together. Our first outings were to Yes Arts, Broadway Clay and the public library. When spring came I enrolled him in the YMCA soccer program and took him to games throughout the season. Our latest venture is martial arts with the Nimmo Family Martial Arts program. I am also enjoying joining him at school for the Lunch Buddy program.
I don’t know how long our relationship will last. What I do know is… I’ll be here as long as he wants me.
It’s about steady presence. About showing up again and again so they know they matter.
I can’t imagine what my life would be without Dixie in it. She means more to me than words can fully explain. I wonder if I’m doing her justice, giving her everything she needs and deserves with the limited amount of time that I have with her. I’ve taken her to several events and places, and she seems to enjoy them all. I believe she’ll go just about anywhere as long as we’re hanging out together. Yes, there are struggles and challenges. Ones that I didn’t see coming when I first joined. Finding my place in her life and not trying to take over full control is a huge challenge for me. I want so many things and opportunities for her, but I realize I’m not her parent. I’m not in the position to make a lot of the decisions for her. But I keep showing up and letting her know I’m there, whenever she needs me and whenever she doesn’t need me.
During the year, I’ve discovered that the best place to have a conversation with Chris is in the car as we drive places. He tells me all kinds of, mostly random, things. And those are the times I can ask about school, family, how he feels about things, etc. I have also discovered that even when he says he doesn’t want to talk about something (like an issue at school), many times he will continue to tell me tidbits of information as we drive.
Being a mentor is a gift. Not only to the mentee, but to yourself. It will stretch you. It will test your patience, your assumptions, and sometimes your limits. It creates space for personal growth in ways you may not expect. This experience has deepened my empathy and broadened my understanding of circumstances different from my own. It has sharpened my awareness of how to support the most vulnerable members of our community with compassion and respect.
Our Amachi and Lunch Buddies program is making a difference in the lives of Frankfort kids. Learn more.