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
Craig Langford - May 2020
Craig and his mentee, Sean, were matched in November of last year, but have grown very close in the six months that they have known each other. Craig has helped connect Sean to multiple opportunities in the community to explore his interests. They are even planning to learn how to sew in order to support Sean’s passion for fashion! Craig has provided Sean with much-needed support, helping him develop confidence in his identity and incredible talent. As a testament to their mentoring relationship, Sean asked BEST Kids staff to consider Craig for Mentor of the Month! Craig and Sean’s match is a great example of the endless growth that mentors and mentees can enjoy when they bring their whole selves to the experience.
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
Sean has a strong interest in performance art. We went to a show a few months ago and it was awesome to see him light up with pure joy.
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
Hip hop dance class. Let me be clear – I’m no dancer, and it was way out of my comfort zone. But I loved watching Sean and his brother Deshawn breaking it down on the floor.
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
Probably the same thing that all mentors are facing during the pandemic – figuring out how to stay connected, and finding fun and interesting things that we can do together virtually.
4. Can you explain your job and something you enjoy about your work?
I’m a speechwriter for PBS. I love the functional/writing part of my job, but even more than that I love my colleagues. I work with an amazing team of creative and committed people who believe in the mission of public television.
5. What do you like to do in your free time?
Spending time with friends, exercising (these days – LOTS of walking around DC), live music at the 930 Club and Anthem, traveling, and food.
6. What's your favorite food?
I love to eat so this is a tough one, but if I had to choose I’d say Mexican. Specifically, nachos!
Craig and his mentee, Sean, were matched in November of last year, but have grown very close in the six months that they have known each other. Craig has helped connect Sean to multiple opportunities in the community to explore his interests. They are even planning to learn how to sew in order to support Sean’s passion for fashion! Craig has provided Sean with much-needed support, helping him develop confidence in his identity and incredible talent. As a testament to their mentoring relationship, Sean asked BEST Kids staff to consider Craig for Mentor of the Month! Craig and Sean’s match is a great example of the endless growth that mentors and mentees can enjoy when they bring their whole selves to the experience.
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
Sean has a strong interest in performance art. We went to a show a few months ago and it was awesome to see him light up with pure joy.
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
Hip hop dance class. Let me be clear – I’m no dancer, and it was way out of my comfort zone. But I loved watching Sean and his brother Deshawn breaking it down on the floor.
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
Probably the same thing that all mentors are facing during the pandemic – figuring out how to stay connected, and finding fun and interesting things that we can do together virtually.
4. Can you explain your job and something you enjoy about your work?
I’m a speechwriter for PBS. I love the functional/writing part of my job, but even more than that I love my colleagues. I work with an amazing team of creative and committed people who believe in the mission of public television.
5. What do you like to do in your free time?
Spending time with friends, exercising (these days – LOTS of walking around DC), live music at the 930 Club and Anthem, traveling, and food.
6. What's your favorite food?
I love to eat so this is a tough one, but if I had to choose I’d say Mexican. Specifically, nachos!
Current Mentor of the Month
Craig Langford - May 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!
