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
Marcus Isom- September 2018
Marcus and Andy were matched in April 2018. From their first meeting, it was obvious to Marcus that Andy had a lot of energy. They managed to get through the first 15 minutes of formality in the match meeting before Andy took over and began showing off his back flips and cartwheels. Recognizing the need for active outings, Marcus made sure that he planned stimulating activities with Andy, including going on bike rides, rock climbing, and playing basketball. Although Andy has many skills, he gets frustrated things don't come easily to him. Through weekly check-ins and reminders that practice makes perfect, Marcus has taught Andy that not succeeding on the first try can be a learning opportunity, and that he can use his talents to master something if he sticks with it. Andy has changed a lot in a short amount of time through his mentoring relationship. Although he has never been one to like talking on the phone, Marcus has warmed him over and now Andy asks to call Marcus just to talk and catch up. Marcus is a great example of a mentor who adapts to the need of his mentee and is consistent, which has truly paid off in his relationship with Andy!
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
Every experience I shared with my mentee thus far has been great; however, my fondest memory to date was when we decided to go indoor rock climbing. When we arrived he was eager for the experience, but after several unsuccessful attempts it presented a challenge and he wanted to give up. I pulled him to the side and explained to him the importance of following through with a goal and how you can grow from it if you don’t achieve it initially. After our talk, my mentee made another attempt and he made it to the top of the wall.
2. Which was your favorite Peer Group?
Unfortunately we haven't been to a Peer Group yet, but we are looking forward to going to one soon!
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
I can honestly say that I have not had a challenging moment with my mentee. He’s fun, full of energy, and eager to try new things.
4. What is your current job/career and what is something you enjoy about your work?
I’m currently employed in the federal government as a system analysis. I really enjoy my job because I’m able to problem solve and see the progression of a task.
5. What are some of your hobbies/things you like to do in your free time? What's your favorite food?
I enjoy traveling, riding my motorcycle, and I recently adopted a puppy that’s a handful. I love anything spicy!!! But if I had to put it into a type of dish it would be Indian.
Marcus and Andy were matched in April 2018. From their first meeting, it was obvious to Marcus that Andy had a lot of energy. They managed to get through the first 15 minutes of formality in the match meeting before Andy took over and began showing off his back flips and cartwheels. Recognizing the need for active outings, Marcus made sure that he planned stimulating activities with Andy, including going on bike rides, rock climbing, and playing basketball. Although Andy has many skills, he gets frustrated things don't come easily to him. Through weekly check-ins and reminders that practice makes perfect, Marcus has taught Andy that not succeeding on the first try can be a learning opportunity, and that he can use his talents to master something if he sticks with it. Andy has changed a lot in a short amount of time through his mentoring relationship. Although he has never been one to like talking on the phone, Marcus has warmed him over and now Andy asks to call Marcus just to talk and catch up. Marcus is a great example of a mentor who adapts to the need of his mentee and is consistent, which has truly paid off in his relationship with Andy!
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
Every experience I shared with my mentee thus far has been great; however, my fondest memory to date was when we decided to go indoor rock climbing. When we arrived he was eager for the experience, but after several unsuccessful attempts it presented a challenge and he wanted to give up. I pulled him to the side and explained to him the importance of following through with a goal and how you can grow from it if you don’t achieve it initially. After our talk, my mentee made another attempt and he made it to the top of the wall.
2. Which was your favorite Peer Group?
Unfortunately we haven't been to a Peer Group yet, but we are looking forward to going to one soon!
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
I can honestly say that I have not had a challenging moment with my mentee. He’s fun, full of energy, and eager to try new things.
4. What is your current job/career and what is something you enjoy about your work?
I’m currently employed in the federal government as a system analysis. I really enjoy my job because I’m able to problem solve and see the progression of a task.
5. What are some of your hobbies/things you like to do in your free time? What's your favorite food?
I enjoy traveling, riding my motorcycle, and I recently adopted a puppy that’s a handful. I love anything spicy!!! But if I had to put it into a type of dish it would be Indian.
Current Mentor of the Month
Marcus Isom- September 2018
|
Past Mentors of the Month |
2017 BESTie Awards
Mentor of the Year
Craig Capossela
Rookie the Year
Henry Wang
Most Mentoring Hours
Marie Cohen
Longest Mentoring Match
Megan Smith
Educational Strides Award
Jess Hammett
Life Skills Strides Award
Matt Curtis
Karen Boyd
Caregiver Connection Award
Ali Bonebrake
Go For the Goal Award
Jessica AbralindAdvocacy Award
Kim Waller
Most Consistent
Jeff Rubin
Socialization Strides Award
Irene Chan
Best Reporter
Marie Cohen
Most Creative Outings
Melissa Weise
Most Persistent
Emily Brown
Deirdre Donahue
Most Resilient
Laura McVey2017 BEST Kids Awards Recipients
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. Take a look at the video to see the fun we had celebrating our mentors!
|
|
|
