Thursday, July 18, 2019

Anthony and Mike have found much to enjoy in their mentor match!

Mike is a 50-year-old pharmacy director. Anthony just graduated from the St. Vincent de Paul Changing Lives Class. Last August, Mike was matched with Anthony for a mentoring relationship.  Mike says he became a mentor because he “hoped to serve as a light in someone’s darkness.” He continues, “By doing this, I will be repaying all those who mentored me.”

Anthony recently immigrated from Nigeria, where he had only an 8th-grade education and was without a job. Anthony had three goals: to go back to school, attain employment, and meet people in his new country. So many new things caused Anthony great anxiety, to the point that he didn’t know how to move forward.

But, in the 10 months since Anthony and Mike have been matched, Anthony has exceeded his own expectations. With Mike’s support and encouragement, Anthony has found stable housing and a full-time job working as a home health aide. Anthony works long night shifts but still manages to attend school at the Excel Center, where he has perfect attendance and is at the top of his class. He is a faithful member of his church, which he attends three nights a week.

Anthony and Mike enjoy their friendship and have even exchanged cultural knowledge. Anthony is a lover of soccer, which is the most popular sport in Nigeria. Recently they went to an Indy Eleven soccer game where, to Mike’s enjoyment, Anthony taught him all about the sport. They hope to attend every sporting event that Indy offers. Likewise, Mike took Anthony on a tour of the governor's office state capitol building, where Anthony got to learn about Indiana’s government, even getting a chance to sit at the governor’s own desk.


Mike often says how much he enjoys mentoring, and Anthony always talks about how the two are a  perfect match.

Do you want to become a mentor?  Everyone we mentor is 18 and older. They are participating in homeless prevention or re-entry programs and desire a mentor. An initial 4-hour training and on-going support is provided. Mentors commit to 6 hours each month for a year to help another person achieve their goals. 

Fill out our volunteer application and we'll provide more information about training dates!

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