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
Sarah Greenough- July 2019
Amelia and Sarah have been matched for a year and have built a strong friendship. This past year they have enjoyed exploring the many fun parks in DC, catching up over ice cream, reading books and bike riding together. Recently, Amelia was able to accomplish a goal with Sarah right by her side to cheer her on. Amelia made it a goal to learn how to ride her bike without training wheels and after an hour of multiple tries she was able to ride her bike without extra help. Sarah explained this moment as exciting and thrilling for both of them! There have been a few difficult moments with communication and scheduling but every moment they do spend together becomes more and more special. Sarah continuously provides Ameila a positive environment, she helps Ameila feel important and cared for by giving her positive reinforcement and consistently showing up. Sarah has made such a positive impact in Amelia’s life that Amelia has shared that she wants to be a mentor when she gets older.
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
While we’ve done a lot of official outings, some of our best moments have been impromptu. The one that stands out to me was one evening at the playground. I played Whitney Houston from my phone and we danced around to it, spinning and laughing so hard, not caring what other people thought of us. Just pure fun.
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
The writing workshop! I was skeptical that Amelia would have the patience to sit through writing exercises on a day off from school, but to my surprise, she was completely engaged the whole time. The facilitator was incredible. He helped the group to reflect and to recognize their unique strengths as individuals.
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
I’m continuously challenged and humbled through the program. And always grateful for BEST Kids staff’s support and suggestions. Challenges include maintaining boundaries, brainstorming high-energy activities when attention spans can run short, and learning to sit with silence. As Amelia used to remind me in the beginning, “you ask too many questions!” Just being together can sometimes be enough.
4. Can you explain your job and something you enjoy about your work?
I work with community health centers to support health care quality. Health is impacted by so many factors...our genes, where we live, what we do, how health care is paid for, etc. ... which means the route to better health involves many different people and types of organizations. One of the best parts of my job is having the chance to interact with many of them and learn from all the innovative work being done across the country.
5. What do you like to do in your free time, and what's your favorite food?
Yoga. City wandering. Amateur editing short videos for family and friends. As for food...fudgesicles and mussels. (Not together!)
Amelia and Sarah have been matched for a year and have built a strong friendship. This past year they have enjoyed exploring the many fun parks in DC, catching up over ice cream, reading books and bike riding together. Recently, Amelia was able to accomplish a goal with Sarah right by her side to cheer her on. Amelia made it a goal to learn how to ride her bike without training wheels and after an hour of multiple tries she was able to ride her bike without extra help. Sarah explained this moment as exciting and thrilling for both of them! There have been a few difficult moments with communication and scheduling but every moment they do spend together becomes more and more special. Sarah continuously provides Ameila a positive environment, she helps Ameila feel important and cared for by giving her positive reinforcement and consistently showing up. Sarah has made such a positive impact in Amelia’s life that Amelia has shared that she wants to be a mentor when she gets older.
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
While we’ve done a lot of official outings, some of our best moments have been impromptu. The one that stands out to me was one evening at the playground. I played Whitney Houston from my phone and we danced around to it, spinning and laughing so hard, not caring what other people thought of us. Just pure fun.
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
The writing workshop! I was skeptical that Amelia would have the patience to sit through writing exercises on a day off from school, but to my surprise, she was completely engaged the whole time. The facilitator was incredible. He helped the group to reflect and to recognize their unique strengths as individuals.
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
I’m continuously challenged and humbled through the program. And always grateful for BEST Kids staff’s support and suggestions. Challenges include maintaining boundaries, brainstorming high-energy activities when attention spans can run short, and learning to sit with silence. As Amelia used to remind me in the beginning, “you ask too many questions!” Just being together can sometimes be enough.
4. Can you explain your job and something you enjoy about your work?
I work with community health centers to support health care quality. Health is impacted by so many factors...our genes, where we live, what we do, how health care is paid for, etc. ... which means the route to better health involves many different people and types of organizations. One of the best parts of my job is having the chance to interact with many of them and learn from all the innovative work being done across the country.
5. What do you like to do in your free time, and what's your favorite food?
Yoga. City wandering. Amateur editing short videos for family and friends. As for food...fudgesicles and mussels. (Not together!)
Current Mentor of the Month
Sarah Greenough- July 2019
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Past Mentors of the Month |
2018 BESTie Awards
Mentor of the Year
Jeff Rubin
Rookie the Year
Andrea Cilliers
Most Mentoring Hours
Lauren Gilbertson
Longest Mentoring Match
Gail McCann
Educational Strides Award
Chris Perry
Life Skills Strides Award
Daina Eglitis
Caregiver Connection Award
Erin Powell
Go For the Goal Award
Jason Guffey
Best Reporter
Roxi ReevesBEST Kids Supporter
Jason Loewith
Advocacy Award
Deirdre Donahue
Most Consistent
Kathryn Gillon
Catherine Redfield
Socialization Strides Award
Jerry Casselano
Most Creative Outings
Julia Zur
Most Persistent
Brett Loyd
Barbara Fallon
Most Resilient
Vince Lampone2017 BEST Kids Awards Recipients
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 2018!
