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
Morgan Welch - February 2021
Morgan and Aniyah have been matched for 1 year and 1 month. The two of them have grown with one another and have been committed to accomplishing their goals with one another. They celebrated their 1 year anniversary by going on a shopping trip that helped Aniyah get some clothes of her own. She has bounced around from house to house since the summer time but Morgan was able to stay in contact with her consistently. Aniyah was recently admitted to the hospital due to her falling and collapsing from a seizure and Morgan made sure that she was able to help support her through this trying time.
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
My mentee and I are both huge fans of all things sweet! Pre-pandemic, we went to It's Sugar, which is a candy store that feels right out of Willy Wonka. We had such a fun time browsing the store and looking at all the funny things they sell - such as gigantic gummy worms and old-timey candy. Aniyah decided to play a trick on her brothers and brought home a lolly pop that had a dried scorpion inside!
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
Aniyah and I attended a hip hop dance class during our first few weeks as a matched mentor/mentee pair. I think we were a bit nervous as we had only gotten together once or twice before the peer group, but the class really helped us break out of our comfort zones and we had SO much fun!
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
Aniyah and I matched in the Fall of 2019 and only had a few months for pre-COVID activities. The biggest challenge has been recreating our list of activities to adhere to COVID-safety guidelines. Before the pandemic, we had a long list of activities planned, and had to quickly adapt to doing things virtually or in a socially distanced manner.
4. What is your current job/career and what is something you enjoy about your work?
I work as a researcher at a think tank, focusing on paid leave, gender equality, and child welfare. I am extremely passionate about my work and feel lucky that I am able to think and write about issues that impact our nation's most vulnerable children and families.
5. What do you like to do in your free time?
When the weather is nice, I love to go for long walks around the city! Some of my favorite spots are the benches outside of the Capitol Building and H Street Corridor. Since I've been spending more time inside, I have picked up playing the harmonica. I have learned two Christmas songs so far, but definitely need some more practice :)
6. What’s your favorite food?
OREO'S! They are my go-to! There is no better snack than Oreo's and milk!
Morgan and Aniyah have been matched for 1 year and 1 month. The two of them have grown with one another and have been committed to accomplishing their goals with one another. They celebrated their 1 year anniversary by going on a shopping trip that helped Aniyah get some clothes of her own. She has bounced around from house to house since the summer time but Morgan was able to stay in contact with her consistently. Aniyah was recently admitted to the hospital due to her falling and collapsing from a seizure and Morgan made sure that she was able to help support her through this trying time.
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
My mentee and I are both huge fans of all things sweet! Pre-pandemic, we went to It's Sugar, which is a candy store that feels right out of Willy Wonka. We had such a fun time browsing the store and looking at all the funny things they sell - such as gigantic gummy worms and old-timey candy. Aniyah decided to play a trick on her brothers and brought home a lolly pop that had a dried scorpion inside!
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
Aniyah and I attended a hip hop dance class during our first few weeks as a matched mentor/mentee pair. I think we were a bit nervous as we had only gotten together once or twice before the peer group, but the class really helped us break out of our comfort zones and we had SO much fun!
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
Aniyah and I matched in the Fall of 2019 and only had a few months for pre-COVID activities. The biggest challenge has been recreating our list of activities to adhere to COVID-safety guidelines. Before the pandemic, we had a long list of activities planned, and had to quickly adapt to doing things virtually or in a socially distanced manner.
4. What is your current job/career and what is something you enjoy about your work?
I work as a researcher at a think tank, focusing on paid leave, gender equality, and child welfare. I am extremely passionate about my work and feel lucky that I am able to think and write about issues that impact our nation's most vulnerable children and families.
5. What do you like to do in your free time?
When the weather is nice, I love to go for long walks around the city! Some of my favorite spots are the benches outside of the Capitol Building and H Street Corridor. Since I've been spending more time inside, I have picked up playing the harmonica. I have learned two Christmas songs so far, but definitely need some more practice :)
6. What’s your favorite food?
OREO'S! They are my go-to! There is no better snack than Oreo's and milk!
Current Mentor of the Month
Morgan Welch - February 2021
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Past Mentors of the Month |
2019 BESTie Awards
Mentor of the Year
Lauren Gilbertson
Rookie the Year
Brian Janovitz
Longest Mentoring Match
Gail McCann
Educational Strides Award
Monique Dessaso
Life Skills Strides Award
Cary Robinson
Caregiver Connection Award
Ernest Shepard
Marcus Isom
Go For the Goal Award
Malcolm Cosgrove-Davies
Best Reporter
Julia ZurBEST Kids Supporter
Jennifer Simon
Advocacy Award
Marie Cohen
Most Consistent
Stephanie Sweet (ages 6-14)
Megan Brew (ages 6-14)
Roxi Reeves (ages 15+)
Socialization Strides Award
Tosha Beckford
Most Creative Outings
Sarah Mickey
Most Persistent
Dan Schiff
Most Resilient
Laura McVey2019 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. Scroll through the photos of the most previous Volunteer Appreciation Night, celebrating all the great things that happened in 2019!
