The Mentoring Experience


"...an amazing, unforgettable experience!"

 

Kyle and ChristianFriends First mentoring program helps support the mission of Mercy Home. We introduce trained volunteers into the lives of at-risk children in the Chicagoland area. The mentor gets together regularly with the "mentee" (typically on weekends) for visits to a museum, library or park. 

The following story is taken from a prior issue of the Friends First M.A.T.C.H Newsletter.    

James and Tod
“It was pretty hard.” James said bluntly.  James, 14, and his mentor, Tod, are into their 3rd year of mentoring.  “When we are both online he doesn’t know how to start an IM (Instant Message) so I always have to start it.  I mean, I taught him, but it is kind of hard for him to learn this stuff.”  James sat back on the couch in his mom’s front porch contemplating, “I suppose some people find it hard to learn stuff.”

Tod, a retired self-employed construction worker who lives in Winnetka with his wife Pat, finds it easier now to navigate through some of this new technology.  He has found the satisfaction of “giving back” and at the same time has found it interesting that he too has learned a couple of things in the match being that he is the mentor.  He says, “Memo to any would-be mentors out there - carpe diem (seize the day)!  Don’t put it off any longer, you’ll love it.” 

The M.A.T.C.H. newsletter is full of fun, inspirational, and exciting articles on past and present matches. It shares their experiences as well as various unique activities and ideas for matches to participate in.  View the latest edition of M.A.T.C.H...  View our printable brochure.

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