Ten years ago, we received an email from a school counselor.
“I have a second-grade child here who is a little lost soul. She is very sad and needy and will be a child who is lost. Can I have a mentor for her? I think her mom will grant permission. I also think your mentor will love her dearly. She absolutely BLOOMS with the tiniest shred of affection. I’m terribly worried about her.” –Counselor, Miranda Palmer
Palmer: “Leslie was a tiny first grade girl when her teacher came to me, very concerned. Mrs. Loeber explained that Leslie had been breaking some bigger rules and showing in-class and social behavior that cried out for more supports to be put in place.”
Teacher, Mrs Loeber: “Leslie was in my first-grade classroom early in my career. She was so quiet at first. As the year progressed, she challenged my management skills and I needed to reach out for additional expertise from my colleagues. I knew she was capable, but she needed extra motivation to complete tasks and fully apply herself.”
Palmer: “I thought a mentor would be the very intervention that could change her whole trajectory. Leslie’s mom supported the idea, so I contacted the Mentoring Network and all the pieces of that support fell into place.”
About the same time, Donna told a local service club about mentoring. After the meeting, a man came up and said he thought his daughter would be a perfect mentor.
Matt Meininger: “Donna spoke to our Treasure Valley Kiwanis Club about the help mentors do in our local schools for at-risk students. My daughter Michelle met Donna and expressed her willingness to become a mentor. Michelle volunteered her time for the next 10 years, working with a young girl.”
Mentor, Michelle Meininger: “The Mentoring Network has made an amazing impact on my life. I’ve met a life-long friend and have supported her through possibly some of the more difficult times of her life. I’m so proud of who she has become and who I’ve become in the process, as well. Mentoring a young person is truly rewarding, and seeing her graduate has now been one of my most gratifying experiences. I would recommend anyone who has one hour a week to spare, to spend it mentoring a child. Such a small amount of time can really change a life.”
Matt Meininger: “I was extremely proud of Michelle, and now this year, 2023, the young girl graduated from high school. I am now proud of Leslie, Donna, and Michelle for all their hard work and I would encourage any citizen to help Donna and the Mentoring Network to continue to make a difference in young people’s lives.”
Loeber: “What an opportunity it was for her to connect with a mentor. I will never forget when I saw her years later. She came over to say ‘Hello’ and was tall enough to look me in the eyes! It was such a joy to see her doing so well and I’m thrilled to hear about her continued success.”
Palmer: “Leslie is a light in the world, with so much potential. Her mentoring experience shows the power of relationship in a child’s life. I’m so excited to see what Leslie does with all those gifts.”
Leslie started as a first-generation college student this fall, still with the same mentor. She sent this note to Michelle:
“I appreciate you for everything you have done for me. You inspire me to be a better person. I can’t thank you enough.” ~ Leslie
As we enter the last few days of the year we thank you again for your support of our kids. If you are not mentoring and would like to please consider the opportunity to make an impact and check out the link HERE to apply.
And if you’re on the fence as to whether you should invest your time or not, this is what Leslie suggests:
“A mentor just motivates others to do their best and enjoy life. Just put yourself out there and start mentoring. It doesn’t hurt to try.” ~ Leslie
The Mentoring Network Inc.
www.MentoringNetworkID.org
One hour, once a week, transforms lives
