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
Emily Heimsoth - January 2021
Emily has been matched with Markayla for a little over a year now and their friendship continues to grow each month. They have enjoyed watching movies together and catching up over dinner. Emily and Markayla had only been matched for a few months before COVID hit but Emily has remained persistent and has not allowed COVID to put a stop to their mentorship growing. Markayla is typically a very quiet youth but the consistency Emily has been able to display over the past year has helped Markayla become more and more comfortable. She consistently reaches out to Markayla weekly even if many times they aren’t able to connect. Emily also continues to find ways to engage Markayla even if it’s a walk around DC, which Markayla has shared her appreciation for. Emily remains to be a positive influence and we’re all excited to see how much more their mentorship continues to grow.
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
Markayla is interested in Korean culture, so went to the Reach at the Kennedy Center for their Lunar New Year Celebration last year. It was memorable for being a really excellent event with beautiful paper lanterns, crafts, and musical performances, but also because it was one of our first outings together and a fun backdrop to get to know each other better.
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
Markayla and I were able to attend the 2020 Winter Celebration but haven’t been able to make it to a peer group since. We’re hoping to attend one in the future!
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
We matched in December 2019, so we only had a few in-person outings before COVID made it unsafe. At times it's been challenging reaching Markayla and finding virtual activities she might enjoy. I think we're both looking forward to being able to do some of our favorite pre-pandemic activities again!
4. What is your current job/career and what is something you enjoy about your work?
I do foriegn policy advocacy at an NGO called Save the Children, focusing on gender equality. Currently I'm focused on lobbying for re-introduction of a US bill on girls' leadership, as well as project managing a global campaign on ending child marriage. I'm lucky to work on something I'm passionate about and I love collaborating with team members based all over the world.
5. What do you like to do in your free time?
In non-COVID times, I enjoy playing soccer, going to museums, and seeing live music. Recently I've been cooking a lot more!
Emily has been matched with Markayla for a little over a year now and their friendship continues to grow each month. They have enjoyed watching movies together and catching up over dinner. Emily and Markayla had only been matched for a few months before COVID hit but Emily has remained persistent and has not allowed COVID to put a stop to their mentorship growing. Markayla is typically a very quiet youth but the consistency Emily has been able to display over the past year has helped Markayla become more and more comfortable. She consistently reaches out to Markayla weekly even if many times they aren’t able to connect. Emily also continues to find ways to engage Markayla even if it’s a walk around DC, which Markayla has shared her appreciation for. Emily remains to be a positive influence and we’re all excited to see how much more their mentorship continues to grow.
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
Markayla is interested in Korean culture, so went to the Reach at the Kennedy Center for their Lunar New Year Celebration last year. It was memorable for being a really excellent event with beautiful paper lanterns, crafts, and musical performances, but also because it was one of our first outings together and a fun backdrop to get to know each other better.
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
Markayla and I were able to attend the 2020 Winter Celebration but haven’t been able to make it to a peer group since. We’re hoping to attend one in the future!
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
We matched in December 2019, so we only had a few in-person outings before COVID made it unsafe. At times it's been challenging reaching Markayla and finding virtual activities she might enjoy. I think we're both looking forward to being able to do some of our favorite pre-pandemic activities again!
4. What is your current job/career and what is something you enjoy about your work?
I do foriegn policy advocacy at an NGO called Save the Children, focusing on gender equality. Currently I'm focused on lobbying for re-introduction of a US bill on girls' leadership, as well as project managing a global campaign on ending child marriage. I'm lucky to work on something I'm passionate about and I love collaborating with team members based all over the world.
5. What do you like to do in your free time?
In non-COVID times, I enjoy playing soccer, going to museums, and seeing live music. Recently I've been cooking a lot more!
Current Mentor of the Month
Emily Heimsoth - January 20201
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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!
