Volunteer Recognition
Our programs would not be successful without the tremendous dedication of our volunteers. Whether at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Night, being recognized as a Mentor of the Month, or getting a simple word of encouragement, we strive to acknowledge all the hard work our mentors put into making our program great.
Mentor of the Month
Cherice Teal - June 2021
Cherice Teal and Joy have been matched for 7 months and have been doing an amazing job working together. Although their match has been virtual up to this point, they have met every Thursday to play Kahoot. Kahoot is an online platform that allows users to participate in competitive educational games. Cherice has done an amazing job at keeping Joy involved with the program. They have participated in peer groups and just recently met their goal of going roller skating together. Thank you so much Cherice for all of your hard work.
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
Joy and I met in-person for the first time last weekend! We went skating at Anacostia Park’s Skating Pavilion. It was the perfect day and Joy came prepared with all her own gear (skates, knee, elbow and shin pads). Our match meeting was virtual and all our subsequent meetings have been via video calls. I’m looking forward to sharing more fun experiences with her.
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
The cooking class was by far the best! Joy really showed off her culinary skills. She’s a natural in the kitchen.
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
Not having an opportunity to meet with her in-person.
4. What is your current job/career and what is something you enjoy about your work?
I work in Development and Fundraising for the American Red Cross. I truly enjoy connecting people to the mission of the organization.
5. What do you like to do in your free time?
Traveling, snorkeling, hiking, discovering new vegan recipes, book clubs, attending concerts and Hip Hop Step Aerobics to name a few.
6. What's your favorite food?
All-things Soul Food
Cherice Teal and Joy have been matched for 7 months and have been doing an amazing job working together. Although their match has been virtual up to this point, they have met every Thursday to play Kahoot. Kahoot is an online platform that allows users to participate in competitive educational games. Cherice has done an amazing job at keeping Joy involved with the program. They have participated in peer groups and just recently met their goal of going roller skating together. Thank you so much Cherice for all of your hard work.
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
Joy and I met in-person for the first time last weekend! We went skating at Anacostia Park’s Skating Pavilion. It was the perfect day and Joy came prepared with all her own gear (skates, knee, elbow and shin pads). Our match meeting was virtual and all our subsequent meetings have been via video calls. I’m looking forward to sharing more fun experiences with her.
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
The cooking class was by far the best! Joy really showed off her culinary skills. She’s a natural in the kitchen.
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
Not having an opportunity to meet with her in-person.
4. What is your current job/career and what is something you enjoy about your work?
I work in Development and Fundraising for the American Red Cross. I truly enjoy connecting people to the mission of the organization.
5. What do you like to do in your free time?
Traveling, snorkeling, hiking, discovering new vegan recipes, book clubs, attending concerts and Hip Hop Step Aerobics to name a few.
6. What's your favorite food?
All-things Soul Food
Current Mentor of the Month
Cherice Teal - June 2021
|
Past Mentors of the Month |
2020 BESTie Awards
Mentor of the Year
Tosha Beckford
Rookie the Year
Christina Michalos
Fountane Chan
Longest Mentoring Match
Dan & Amon
Educational Strides Award
Jennifer Simon
Life Skills Strides Award
Andrea Cilliers
Caregiver Connection Award
Matthew Kastner
Go For the Goal Award
Myles Carlos
Best Reporter
Michele PattenBEST Kids Supporter
Chris Perry
Megan Brew
Advocacy Award
Sierra Wright
Most Consistent
Ernest Shepard (ages 6-14)
Ryan Swanier (ages 15+)
Socialization Strides Award
Craig Langford
Vince Lampone
Most Creative Outings
JP Ple (In Person)
Marcus Isom (Virtual)
Most Resilient
Aida Fitzgerald
Most Adaptable During Changing Times
Morgan Welch2019 BEST Kids Awards Recipients
BEST Believer Award - Eric Warden
This award recognizes an individual for their contribution of time and resources to help further the impact of our programs.
Eric has not only been a faithful donor for many years, but has also recently stepped up as a volunteer to assist and lead us in our current strategic planning process.Bringing out the BEST Award - Psychiatric Institute of Washington
This award recognizes a corporation that has invested time and resources in order to maximize our ability to sustain our programs.
The Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW) has been a consistent sponsor, supporting our ART of the Matter event, since 2015 and has also worked with us to ensure our mentees are receiving the best care possible during times of crisis.BEST Friend Award - Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington
This award recognizes a partnering agency of group that has gone above and beyond to help advance BEST Kids' capacity to deliver our programs.
The Catalogue for Philanthropy has been a tremendous support in advocating for us among foundations and donors and has also invested in us through providing staff training and capacity building.
Volunteer Appreciation Night
Every January, BEST Kids hosts a mentor recognition event. Mentors are presented with awards and honored for their service in the program from the past year by receiving a BESTie Award. This year's Volunteer Appreciation Night looked a bit different. However, we are overjoyed to still have the opportunity to connect with out mentors. Scroll through the photos of the most previous Volunteer Appreciation Night, celebrating the resilience of our mentors through 2020!
