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
Ronald Flamer - May 2022
Ronald and his mentee, Keyvonte, have been matched for 2 years and 2 months! Keyvonte has always been greatly supported by Ronald, especially during difficult situations in Keyvonte’s school and home life. They both enjoy playing/watching sports together and hanging out with Keyvonte’s siblings in the program! Ronald has been diligent in making sure Keyvonte has support in school and making sure that both Keyvonte and his sister, Joyce, can attend peer groups. Keyvonte is lucky to have Ronald by his side!
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
Taking Keyvonte to the Wizards game was my favorite memory. I believe it was his first time and seeing how excited he was to be at a live game made me happy. The outing was a result of him getting good grades in school so it was an overall good time.
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
The emotional awareness workshop was my favorite Peer Group. It was my first time there and I saw some interesting exhibits about the history surrounding D.C. I also learned some ways to identify stress in my body while working with the instructor.
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
The pandemic delayed Keyvonte and I meeting in-person and since it was such a new match it took longer for us to be able to connect and bond.
4. What is your current job/career and what is something you enjoy about your work?
I’m currently the Administrative Coordinator for the Prince Georges County Circuit Court. I enjoy being able to learn public administration because one day I want to start my own non-profit organization.
5. What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to read, go to the movies, go hiking, and play video games.
6. What's your favorite food?
N/A
Ronald and his mentee, Keyvonte, have been matched for 2 years and 2 months! Keyvonte has always been greatly supported by Ronald, especially during difficult situations in Keyvonte’s school and home life. They both enjoy playing/watching sports together and hanging out with Keyvonte’s siblings in the program! Ronald has been diligent in making sure Keyvonte has support in school and making sure that both Keyvonte and his sister, Joyce, can attend peer groups. Keyvonte is lucky to have Ronald by his side!
1. What’s your fondest memory from spending time with your mentee?
Taking Keyvonte to the Wizards game was my favorite memory. I believe it was his first time and seeing how excited he was to be at a live game made me happy. The outing was a result of him getting good grades in school so it was an overall good time.
2. What has been your favorite Peer Group?
The emotional awareness workshop was my favorite Peer Group. It was my first time there and I saw some interesting exhibits about the history surrounding D.C. I also learned some ways to identify stress in my body while working with the instructor.
3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced since becoming your mentee’s mentor?
The pandemic delayed Keyvonte and I meeting in-person and since it was such a new match it took longer for us to be able to connect and bond.
4. What is your current job/career and what is something you enjoy about your work?
I’m currently the Administrative Coordinator for the Prince Georges County Circuit Court. I enjoy being able to learn public administration because one day I want to start my own non-profit organization.
5. What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to read, go to the movies, go hiking, and play video games.
6. What's your favorite food?
N/A
Current Mentor of the Month
Ronald Flamer - May 2022
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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!
