January

National Mentoring Month

No one can say it better than those who have been a child's mentor, or the one's who have benefited from having a mentor. Make a difference in a child's life today.

TeamMates Success Story

Cesia was described as a “negative leader”.  She could get other kids to create the mischief while she sat back smiling.  She was extremely bright but her grades did not always show it as she did very little of her homework and she was absent roughly one third of the school days.   

 While in elementary school, Cesia was recommended for the TeamMates program.  She had a ton of potential but needed some direction.  She was matched with a wonderful, caring mentor that continually guided her down the right path.  Slowly, Cesia began to turn things around and eventually became a cheerleader in high school, made the honor roll, and only missed three days of high school.  She graduated and went on to college.  Since generations of her family had not experienced either of these successes this was an extra special accomplishment for Cesia.

Big Pals-Little Pals testimonials

What Little Pals says about their mentors:

"He's fun, funny, cool.  He's nice, respectful, trustworthy, and has a big heart."  Cody talking about Big Pal Kevin

"She is nice, and takes time for me."  Blaize talking about Big Pal Ashley

"She is a very nice lady with a big heart that would do anything for some.  She is my best friend" Stormy talking about Big Pal Julie

"He spends more than one hour with me and we have tons of fun." Erik talking about Big Pal Derek

"She loves me and she is my best friend ever.  And she is the nicest, kindest, and funnyest woman I know."  Allie talking about Big Pal Nancy

"She does the nicest things for me and she is fun to be around and makes me feel very special." Brooke talking about Big Pal Deb

"Brian is everything a big pal should be, he is kind, caring, gives of himself and is a good Christian.  He is a good friend and I feel like he really listens and cares what happens to me.  He always called me every Wednesday nigh just to talk to me and see how I am and how school is going and to set up a time to get together.  My mom never worries about me when I am with Brian.  My mom is so very protective this is saying a lot for Brian"  Bryton talking about Big Pal Brian

What Big Pals say about mentoring:

"One of the first programs I volunteered for when I moved to Columbus was Big Pals-Little Pals. I was single and had extra time on my hands. I had many positive role models in my life when I was growing up. I wanted to be that for someone who did not have that encouragement like I did. Looking back, it is hard to believe that was thirteen years ago. Doug and I were matched when he was a fifth grader at Field School. We had many similar interests – sports, games, reading, and more. Right from the start, we hit it off. Weekly Doug and I would go to the YMCA, watch movies or sports on TV, and ride bikes. Our relationship developed quickly and was positive for both of us."   Corey Briggs

"I would like to thank Big Pals-Little Pals for letting me be a part of their organization.  My Little Pal has made a big difference in my life and my husband’s too.   I would also like to say a big thank you to my Little Pal’s family for letting me a part of her life.  I’m 60 years old and thought I was too old to be a Big Pal.  My Little Pal doesn’t care how old I am or that I can’t do some things.  She enjoys being with us.  My husband also takes her places if I can’t go and sometimes all three of us do things together.My life has been so good with my Little Pal.  We have watched her grow the past three years and she has changed so much. When I have had a health problem, who is there for me?  It is my Little Pal with a flower because she knows I like flowers.  She always makes me feel so good." Jo Gillette

TeamMate Card of Thanks:

 "Dear Wilma,

 I want to thank-you for all the things you have done to me.  Because of you, you've made it possible for me to go to summer school.  You were the one who believed in me, when I didn't believe in myself.  I really thought I wasn't going to finish school, but it was you who helped to keep my head held high.  I don't only see you as a mentor, but like a mother.  You really do care about me and my family.  You have helped me make wiser choices.  I know to turn to you when I need something.  My family and I want to thank you and Mr. Arp for all the good things you've done to help, because without your help, I wouldn't be here.  I want you to know that there's not one time regretting in having a mentor like you.  I don't know how many words there are to say thank-you, but if I knew them I would tell you.  My parents say that people like you are hard to find.  I also want to thank-you for spending at least one hour with me each week during school.  You are a person I can trust, talk to, and come to for anything, and I thank you for that.  Thanks again.  Sincerely, Bellyni"

This card was given to me last summer after Bellyni had successfully completed three classes for missing too many days throughout her sophomore year.  As of today, she has successfully completed her first semester of her Junior year and is on target to graduate with her class in 2009.   Sometimes mentor's question if they are truly making a difference in their mentee's life.  All I can say is hang in there and stay positive.  There are so many things going on in these kids lives.  They need one person that they know they can always count on, they need one person that they know who really cares, they need one person to help them succeed, they need US! Bellyni doesn't know it, but she has taught me to be patient and she has allowed me to come to the realization that I am not in control.  I must trust the Big Guy and I must believe, no matter what...

Working one on one with those who need your help - read below a Volunteer Testimonial from Platte Valley Literacy

I began my experience of being a "Tutor" in 1997 at the Columbus Public Library.  I call it "experience" because every student I work with gives me a greater understanding of the importance of a High School Education or GED equivalent.  It is always a joy to see the beaming faces at the graduation ceremony.  I also feed that my time was not wasted during the many months that the students study for the exam.  We form a good friendship with our students and many times years later, our paths cross and it is always a good feeling visiting, or just a passing smiling glance It toward you.  It is an honor and privilege to be named a "Tutor" in the PVLA program.  I plan to continue tutoring because it helps me to keep active using some of the talents I have and enjoy meeting new people.