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
Jennifer Simone - July 2020
Jennifer and Kiashawna have been matched for over 8 months and have grown very close since they first met in September 2019. Kiashawna is a very friendly, energetic, and imaginative student, but she has faced several challenges at school and with her health. Jennifer has been a committed advocate for Kiashawna through many difficulties. In addition to supporting Kiashawna's needs, Jennifer has also been a strong supporter of Kiashawna's mother. Kiashawna's mother is very appreciative of Jennifer for all she has done for her and Kiashawna, including helping them get new furniture when they had to move to a new place. When Kiashawna's mother is asked about Jennifer, she is quick to point out that she adores Jennifer and even blows her kisses from the door when she visits.
Jennifer was referred to BEST Kids by MentorPrize in 2019!
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
Believe it or not, it was bonding with her over FaceTime during the stay-at-home period, as I helped her with her school work.
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
Rock climbing.
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
Figuring out that she has significant learning challenges and working with the school system to try and get her the attention she needs.
4. Can you explain your job and something you enjoy about your work?
I am a full-time volunteer! I enjoy working with young people to help them reach their goals and be their best selves. I do college counseling and ACT tutoring for first generation immigrants, and work with a few other non-profit organizations that help teens.
5. What do you like to do in your free time?
Bike, hike, play tennis, read and spend time with my family (I have a husband and three children) and friends.
6. What's your favorite food?
Raw cookie doug.
Jennifer and Kiashawna have been matched for over 8 months and have grown very close since they first met in September 2019. Kiashawna is a very friendly, energetic, and imaginative student, but she has faced several challenges at school and with her health. Jennifer has been a committed advocate for Kiashawna through many difficulties. In addition to supporting Kiashawna's needs, Jennifer has also been a strong supporter of Kiashawna's mother. Kiashawna's mother is very appreciative of Jennifer for all she has done for her and Kiashawna, including helping them get new furniture when they had to move to a new place. When Kiashawna's mother is asked about Jennifer, she is quick to point out that she adores Jennifer and even blows her kisses from the door when she visits.
Jennifer was referred to BEST Kids by MentorPrize in 2019!
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
Believe it or not, it was bonding with her over FaceTime during the stay-at-home period, as I helped her with her school work.
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
Rock climbing.
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
Figuring out that she has significant learning challenges and working with the school system to try and get her the attention she needs.
4. Can you explain your job and something you enjoy about your work?
I am a full-time volunteer! I enjoy working with young people to help them reach their goals and be their best selves. I do college counseling and ACT tutoring for first generation immigrants, and work with a few other non-profit organizations that help teens.
5. What do you like to do in your free time?
Bike, hike, play tennis, read and spend time with my family (I have a husband and three children) and friends.
6. What's your favorite food?
Raw cookie doug.
Current Mentor of the Month
Jennifer Simon - July 2020
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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!
