Volunteer Spotlight - October 2011
The volunteer spotlight this month is Kim Greer - for going above and beyond as a YouthBuild mentor! Kim became a mentor in February 2011. She has volunteered frequently in the community and decided to become a YouthBuild mentor for several reasons... The most important reason is the calling she felt from God to become a mentor for this particular age group.
“I saw a story about YouthBuild in the newspaper - that they needed volunteers, and thought it was something I could do. Everyone in the community wants the kids to succeed, and this was the right fit for me.”
In May, she was matched with a young female participant of the program - who happened to be pregnant. The two connected immediately and the foundation of a strong mentoring relationship quickly developed. Kim has been a consistent source of guidance and support for this participant. Kim also felt she had something to give to young people, whether it is sound advice coming from experience, or a shoulder to lean on; Mrs. Greer has filled a void in a young person’s life.
Kim was there for the youth when she needed her most. “One time we were talking on the phone, and she had been going back and forth to the hospital because she was uncomfortable and very close to her due date, so I said that we should meet to talk face to face. I could see that she was becoming more and more uncomfortable and so I drove her to the hospital. She was in labor! I knew her family lived nearby and it was convenient for me to pick them up and drive them to the hospital, too.”
Her mentee is grateful to have Mrs. Greer in her life and will forever be thankful for the time they have spent together.
When you first choose to be a mentor, the YouthBuild participants and mentors meet in a group setting. Kim faithfully attended all match activities and became a familiar presence at YouthBuild. “The YouthBuild kids are all smart; they know a lot. When I first started meeting with the youth, as a group, they are a family unit. There is something about the YouthBuild program that creates this family dynamic; it is a great fit for them! We are all there for the right reasons. I want to help people, and when you’re there you learn new things. The kids show you things you didn’t know before.”
“Anyone who is considering becoming a mentor - go for it! It is a great learning experience for all involved. I find it extremely rewarding.”
YouthBuild is currently looking for mentors for teenagers in the program. This is a great way to help a youth in your community!
Contact YouthBuild Mentoring Coordinator - Christy Garner at 618-316-8686 or email.