I just returned from a match meeting and, as always, it was
illuminating and inspiring.
What continues to make an impression on me is the strength
of the human spirit as exhibited through our mentees. I sat in the room this
afternoon with a woman, a mother, who had over the last year lost her son,
endured a bitter divorce, lost her job, her home, and has had to manage a
debilitating illness. Yet, this woman’s spirit still lit up the room.
Her story, unfortunately, is not uncommon. Yet her inner
strength and resilience is one that boggles the mind. I often encounter mothers
who have lost children due to the system, to an ex-spouse, to domestic
violence, sometimes even to death. As a mother myself, nothing cuts deeper then
the idea of losing my child.
The depth of human spirit that can resurrect a joyful soul
out of the ashes of loss is dumbfounding. What is just as exceptional is the
willingness to step out again in relationship. Our mentees have all experienced
losses (mentors too!), yet they continue to take steps forward. Opening up to a
new mentor relationship is an act of faith; it opens the mentee up to potential
hurt or disappointment that accompanies any new relationship. They are “putting
themselves out there” relationally: they are vulnerable. They are taking a
risk.
This mentee freely admitted that her trials are not yet
over. Her son is back in her home, thanks to support and advocacy from her
referring agency and others; however, her housing is still unstable and
employment is a question as her illness has barred her from moving forward.
Our mentees are invited to share their goals with their new
mentor during their first meeting. Many of them hesitate, desiring to focus on
the relationship and building trust first. However, this particular mentee
filled up the page with goals…and with hope. As she moves towards stability,
with her mentor guiding and supporting her along the way, I will fervently enjoy
watching her blossom. I share her faith and hope in the future.
Trusted Mentors is the only agency focusing 100% on
mentoring adults to combat homelessness and to improve outcomes for young
adults aging out of foster care and for individuals exiting the criminal
justice system. If you are interested in being a volunteer mentor, please visit
our website at www.trustedmentors.org
to complete a mentor application.
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