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.
2022 Volunteer Appreciation BESTie Awards
Match of the Year 2022
This mentor and her mentee have an amazing relationship. Her initial role as a mentor was taking her mentee out to do things she had not experienced, but when she changed placements into a stable household that could provide these, she was flexible and adapted. Per the request of the family, she has incorporated ways to work on reading activities and found ways to complement the new needs of her mentee and her family. Jillian has reached the required hours every month as a mentor, regularly attends peer groups, and is always in communication with her mentee. She is dedicated to all that BEST Kids does, going beyond to share her ideas and volunteering efforts in order to make BEST Kids the best mentoring program it can be. Jillian and Ronzeneyla have been through so much this past year. Jillian is a heartwarming, resilient person that would do anything for mentee. Jillian has helped Ronzeneyla not only prepare for motherhood, but has also watched Ronzeneyla grow up from a young girl to an amazing young lady with a bright future ahead of her. BEST Kids is awarding Jillian Klarman and Ronzenelya Little this award for Match of the Year for their great strides and efforts as a team and modeling what mentorship looks like. Mentorship is never easy and will always come with more challenges ahead, but Jillian and Ronzeneyla can get through anything together. This mentoring pair will always have our support no matter what. Thank you, Jillian, and Ronzeneyla, our 2022 match of the year!
Jillian and Ronzeneyla share their story in the video below.
Jillian and Ronzeneyla share their story in the video below.
2021 BESTie Awards
Mentor of the Year
Jennifer Simon
Rookie Team
Diana Lu
Paulette Stewart
Jeff Houle
Sam Brown
Longest Mentoring Match
Dan & Amon
Most Mentoring Hours
Nate Pelz
Most Peer Groups
Nate Pelz
Most Trainings Award
Roxi Reeves
Go For the Goal Award
Myles Carlos
Best Reporter
Michele PattenFamily Supporter of the Year
Tom Beno
BEST Kids Supporter Award
Jennifer Simon
BEST Advocacy Award
Jillian Klarman
Most Consistent
Christina Michalos (ages 6-14)
Ernest Sheppard (ages 15+)
Socialization Strides Award
Deanne Grant
BEST Outing Award
Megan Brew
Most Resilient
Laura Kadumus
Most Persistent
Jean Tucker
Legacy Match of the Year
Marie Cohen and Justice2019 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.
