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
Casey Schoeneberger - October 2021
Casey and her mentee Leilani have been matched for close to two years now. They have built a strong relationship during that time and Casey has grown to be one of Leilani's most trusted adults. Casey's dedication to Leilani is evident and she has become a key member of Leilani's support team by providing a solid perspective of Leilani's best interests. Casey has always been very impressed by Leilani's maturity, perceptiveness, and resilience. Leilani really appreciates that Casey is so consistent and compassionate. Despite both of their very busy work schedules, they make time to catch up on important topics and spend time together. Leilani and Casey provide great examples of the mutual respect, appreciation, and admiration that develop in meaningful mentoring relationships.
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
I’ve loved all our time together but I very much appreciate the first time we met, a trip to the aquarium with my mentee and her sister, and a recent go-karting adventure.
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
N/A
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
Figuring out the right channels for communication is certainly a challenge but we keep working at it!
4. What is your current job/career and what is something you enjoy about your work?
I’m currently with the Treasury Department and appreciate the opportunity to play a small role in helping families and communities recover from the ongoing economic effects of the pandemic.
5. What do you like to do in your free time?
It’s exciting to return to some semblance of normal by safely spending time again with family and friends, and cooking fun meals together.
6. What's your favorite food?
I will never pass on a chance to eat Szechuan food or visit any one of the many excellent Szechuan restaurants in the area.
Casey and her mentee Leilani have been matched for close to two years now. They have built a strong relationship during that time and Casey has grown to be one of Leilani's most trusted adults. Casey's dedication to Leilani is evident and she has become a key member of Leilani's support team by providing a solid perspective of Leilani's best interests. Casey has always been very impressed by Leilani's maturity, perceptiveness, and resilience. Leilani really appreciates that Casey is so consistent and compassionate. Despite both of their very busy work schedules, they make time to catch up on important topics and spend time together. Leilani and Casey provide great examples of the mutual respect, appreciation, and admiration that develop in meaningful mentoring relationships.
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
I’ve loved all our time together but I very much appreciate the first time we met, a trip to the aquarium with my mentee and her sister, and a recent go-karting adventure.
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
N/A
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
Figuring out the right channels for communication is certainly a challenge but we keep working at it!
4. What is your current job/career and what is something you enjoy about your work?
I’m currently with the Treasury Department and appreciate the opportunity to play a small role in helping families and communities recover from the ongoing economic effects of the pandemic.
5. What do you like to do in your free time?
It’s exciting to return to some semblance of normal by safely spending time again with family and friends, and cooking fun meals together.
6. What's your favorite food?
I will never pass on a chance to eat Szechuan food or visit any one of the many excellent Szechuan restaurants in the area.
Current Mentor of the Month
Casey Schoeneberger - October 2021
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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!
