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
Jean Tucker – February 2020
JT and Zoelle were matched in June 2019 and have been having energetic adventures ever since. Zoelle is a natural athlete and JT has nurtured those skills while exposing him to new sports and activities like rock-climbing, paddle-boating, and ice skating. They both really enjoy playing football and soccer together. JT is one of few adults who can keep up with Zoelle's seemingly endless amounts of energy while patiently supporting the development of positive behaviors. They are a wonderful example of the immense fun that mentors and mentees can have together.
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
Like most kids, Zoelle likes ice cream and there have been several times we’ve eaten ice cream together, whether at Peer Group or as part of hanging out together. Last November we were eating ice cream, and I said, “Zoelle, do you remember the first time we ate ice cream together?” and without hesitating, he said, “during the summer, on the Mall,” and I said, “that’s right” and I reminded him how hot it was and that the ice cream cone was melting down his arm. Then he said, “now it’s winter and it’s cold and we’re eating ice cream,” and I told him, “yeah, that’s pretty cool,” to which he said, “wow we’ve been together a long time” which of course, made me smile (even though we only got matched up in July!)
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
Rock climbing, by far! At first, Zoelle was a bit hesitant about the height of the walls but we talked about it and by the end, he made it to the top of the tallest wall multiple times, no problem! I was really proud of him!
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
Zoelle is used to getting attention by misbehaving so I’m always looking for ways to give him attention for positive behavior. After every time we get together, I point out to him what I liked and really praise him for that, even when it’s a small little thing. I also point out what I didn’t like. I don’t dwell on it but I do point it out. Slowly he’s learning that he gets a lot more enthusiasm from me for positive behavior than negative. But it’s still definitely a work in progress!!
4. Can you explain your job and something you enjoy about your work?
I work for the Small Business Administration in a program called Community Advantage, whose mission it is to get money to small businesses operating in historically underserved areas. One cool thing about my job is being able to travel to these underserved areas, which has taken me to parts of the US I never would have otherwise visited.
5. What do you like to do in your free time?
Anything outdoors- hiking, cycling, or playing sports. I also really enjoy traveling, especially internationally!
6. What's your favorite food?
Any and all Mexican food!!
JT and Zoelle were matched in June 2019 and have been having energetic adventures ever since. Zoelle is a natural athlete and JT has nurtured those skills while exposing him to new sports and activities like rock-climbing, paddle-boating, and ice skating. They both really enjoy playing football and soccer together. JT is one of few adults who can keep up with Zoelle's seemingly endless amounts of energy while patiently supporting the development of positive behaviors. They are a wonderful example of the immense fun that mentors and mentees can have together.
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
Like most kids, Zoelle likes ice cream and there have been several times we’ve eaten ice cream together, whether at Peer Group or as part of hanging out together. Last November we were eating ice cream, and I said, “Zoelle, do you remember the first time we ate ice cream together?” and without hesitating, he said, “during the summer, on the Mall,” and I said, “that’s right” and I reminded him how hot it was and that the ice cream cone was melting down his arm. Then he said, “now it’s winter and it’s cold and we’re eating ice cream,” and I told him, “yeah, that’s pretty cool,” to which he said, “wow we’ve been together a long time” which of course, made me smile (even though we only got matched up in July!)
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
Rock climbing, by far! At first, Zoelle was a bit hesitant about the height of the walls but we talked about it and by the end, he made it to the top of the tallest wall multiple times, no problem! I was really proud of him!
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
Zoelle is used to getting attention by misbehaving so I’m always looking for ways to give him attention for positive behavior. After every time we get together, I point out to him what I liked and really praise him for that, even when it’s a small little thing. I also point out what I didn’t like. I don’t dwell on it but I do point it out. Slowly he’s learning that he gets a lot more enthusiasm from me for positive behavior than negative. But it’s still definitely a work in progress!!
4. Can you explain your job and something you enjoy about your work?
I work for the Small Business Administration in a program called Community Advantage, whose mission it is to get money to small businesses operating in historically underserved areas. One cool thing about my job is being able to travel to these underserved areas, which has taken me to parts of the US I never would have otherwise visited.
5. What do you like to do in your free time?
Anything outdoors- hiking, cycling, or playing sports. I also really enjoy traveling, especially internationally!
6. What's your favorite food?
Any and all Mexican food!!
Current Mentor of the Month
Jean Tucker - February 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!
