It’s Your Lucky Day

Friday, January 13, 2012 by Mark Schmeltzer

With Good People In Your Life, There’s No Need to Fear Friday the 13th

It’s Friday the 13th, a day when the most superstitious among us think twice before emerging from beneath the covers and braving the world beyond our bedroom door. But I’m not one who is given to friggatriskaidekaphobia (the scientific name for the fear of Friday the 13th). In fact, I feel pretty lucky as I close out another work week in the company of so many amazing men and women who are committed to helping kids get a fresh start. It makes me consider all of the good people who have guided me throughout my own life.

January is a particularly good time to reflect on the people who have helped shape the people we have become.  For one thing, the holiday season, which pulls us in so many directions, is behind us. Suddenly, when all the bells and carols stop, we find ourselves walking quietly through the deepest part of winter. Despite its blustery reputation, there’s actually a gentleness about January in the Midwest that I love. It just seems to be the right setting in which to take stock, to set the agenda for the year ahead, but also, to look behind you and count all of those other sets of footprints in the snow.

January is also National Mentoring Month, a time when we express our gratitude for those who have, in turns, steered us along our paths. And, it’s a time to offer to walk with a young person, to share the wisdom of your experience.

Mercy Home celebrates National Mentoring Month by encouraging people in the Chicago area to learn more about our own mentoring program, known as Friends First. For nearly 25 years, the Friends First mentoring program has paired children ages 9-17 with adult volunteers who act as friends and role models. With comprehensive support from program staff, mentors and mentees participate in fun activities throughout Chicago like visits to museums and outings to public events, parks, ballgames, and more.

Information sessions about becoming a volunteer mentor through our Friends First program are held regularly at our West Loop Campus in Chicago, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., including one on Wednesday, January 18th, at 6:00 p.m. Call 312-738-7552 to attend.

I hope you take advantage of this month to recommit your life to helping a young person, just as someone, or many people, helped you become the person you are today.

photo via Flickr/Kire

Tagged: Friday the 13th, Friends First, Mentoring, National Mentoring Month     Posted in Mentoring