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
Anh Doan - August 2022
Congratulations to our July Mentor of the Month, Anh Doan. Anh and her mentee, Ana have been matched for almost 4 years! During this time, the duo has spent time participating in BEST Kids peer group activities that have brought them closer together. Recently, Ana and Anh have begun dedicating time to sports, and college prep.
Anh was selected as the July Mentor of the Month because she embodies what it means to be an exemplary mentor! From enjoying Salvadoran food with Ana and participating in various BEST Kids activities, to working with Ana as she prepares for college, Anh has consistently displayed her dedication to Ana and the program. Congratulations Anh!
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
Enjoying a lot of El Salvadoran food with my mentee. Since we both love to eat, it was a chance for me to learn more about El Salvador. This experience allowed my mentee to introduce me to new foods, while finding comfort in foods from her home country.
2. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
Keeping our outings consistent! With my mentee's ever changing schedule, finding times for us to meet can get difficult. I check in with her often, prior to our scheduled outings to make sure we're good to go.
3. What is your current job/career and what is something you enjoy about your work?
I currently work as a data analyst in mortgage lending. I love studying data, and figure out trends from data sets!
Congratulations to our July Mentor of the Month, Anh Doan. Anh and her mentee, Ana have been matched for almost 4 years! During this time, the duo has spent time participating in BEST Kids peer group activities that have brought them closer together. Recently, Ana and Anh have begun dedicating time to sports, and college prep.
Anh was selected as the July Mentor of the Month because she embodies what it means to be an exemplary mentor! From enjoying Salvadoran food with Ana and participating in various BEST Kids activities, to working with Ana as she prepares for college, Anh has consistently displayed her dedication to Ana and the program. Congratulations Anh!
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
Enjoying a lot of El Salvadoran food with my mentee. Since we both love to eat, it was a chance for me to learn more about El Salvador. This experience allowed my mentee to introduce me to new foods, while finding comfort in foods from her home country.
2. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
Keeping our outings consistent! With my mentee's ever changing schedule, finding times for us to meet can get difficult. I check in with her often, prior to our scheduled outings to make sure we're good to go.
3. What is your current job/career and what is something you enjoy about your work?
I currently work as a data analyst in mortgage lending. I love studying data, and figure out trends from data sets!
Current Mentor of the Month
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Past Mentors of the Month |
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.
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!
