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
Matthew Kastner - April 2021
Matthew and his mentee Anthony have experienced a great deal over the two and a half years they've been matched. Most recently, Anthony is preparing to live as a productive independent adult and Matthew is supporting him through that transition in a variety of ways. Matthew is a key member of Anthony's support network and he frequently connects with Anthony's caregivers to gain further insight into how to best support Anthony. Anthony has a passion for hair which may potentially lead him to obtain a job as a hairstylist. To give Anthony some more encouragement to practice his skills more intentionally, Matthew visited Anthony and they worked on some tutorials braiding hair on a mannequin. In addition to this, Matthew has supported Anthony in learning how to use a debit card responsibly, navigate the metro on his own, and Matthew even took Anthony to get his COVID vaccine shot. Even with all of the learning that's involved in becoming an independent adult, Anthony and Matthew also make time to have fun together and most recently had a blast at Six Flags. Anthony and Matthew are a great example of how mentorship can support a youth's transition to adulthood while built on a relationship of trust, care, and having fun!
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
We've had a lot of good times but doing the Superhero 5K in 2019 is probably my fondest memory. We trained for a few weeks leading up to it and although my mentee doesn't like to run (at all), he committed to it, finished the race, and actually won first in his age group! Also, the costumes were hilarious.
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
The hip hop dance peer group was a blast. Despite being comically bad at hip hop dance, in this peer group we got out of our comfort zone, forgot our egos, and had a great time learning some choreographed moves.
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
As my mentee is older and about to enter the real world, the biggest challenge has been preparing him for that. Lately we've been focused on exposing and helping him navigate the responsibilities that come with being an adult.
4. What is your current job/career and what is something you enjoy about your work?
In very DC fashion, I work in policy and communications. I like that it is fast-paced and changes with current events.
5. What do you like to do in your free time?
Pre-covid, traveling or planning travel was my favorite hobby. Now, I'm into growing and taking care of an increasing number of plants.
6. What’s your favorite food?
Since I'm only able to pick one, I'll go with Thai food.
Matthew and his mentee Anthony have experienced a great deal over the two and a half years they've been matched. Most recently, Anthony is preparing to live as a productive independent adult and Matthew is supporting him through that transition in a variety of ways. Matthew is a key member of Anthony's support network and he frequently connects with Anthony's caregivers to gain further insight into how to best support Anthony. Anthony has a passion for hair which may potentially lead him to obtain a job as a hairstylist. To give Anthony some more encouragement to practice his skills more intentionally, Matthew visited Anthony and they worked on some tutorials braiding hair on a mannequin. In addition to this, Matthew has supported Anthony in learning how to use a debit card responsibly, navigate the metro on his own, and Matthew even took Anthony to get his COVID vaccine shot. Even with all of the learning that's involved in becoming an independent adult, Anthony and Matthew also make time to have fun together and most recently had a blast at Six Flags. Anthony and Matthew are a great example of how mentorship can support a youth's transition to adulthood while built on a relationship of trust, care, and having fun!
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
We've had a lot of good times but doing the Superhero 5K in 2019 is probably my fondest memory. We trained for a few weeks leading up to it and although my mentee doesn't like to run (at all), he committed to it, finished the race, and actually won first in his age group! Also, the costumes were hilarious.
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
The hip hop dance peer group was a blast. Despite being comically bad at hip hop dance, in this peer group we got out of our comfort zone, forgot our egos, and had a great time learning some choreographed moves.
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
As my mentee is older and about to enter the real world, the biggest challenge has been preparing him for that. Lately we've been focused on exposing and helping him navigate the responsibilities that come with being an adult.
4. What is your current job/career and what is something you enjoy about your work?
In very DC fashion, I work in policy and communications. I like that it is fast-paced and changes with current events.
5. What do you like to do in your free time?
Pre-covid, traveling or planning travel was my favorite hobby. Now, I'm into growing and taking care of an increasing number of plants.
6. What’s your favorite food?
Since I'm only able to pick one, I'll go with Thai food.
Current Mentor of the Month
Matthew Kastner - April 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!
