Testimonials

Mentor: Richard Thompson..." Like Chris, I too lost my dad at an early age and someone stepped up for me. Watching Chris grow, learn new skills and gain confidence is a most rewarding experience. He is a remarkable young fellow, and I feel privileged to know him. I see our interaction developing into a life-long friendship." Mentee: Chris..."Mentoring has been fun. We've gone to batting practice, a Giants' baseball game and the Exploratorium. Sometimes we shoot baskets or play catch and practice my spelling words at the same time. Sometimes we build things out of wood and cook supper together."

Mentor: Betsy Niles..."After raising five children, I went into mentoring with the idea that I had so much to give at this time in my life, but in reality what I found out is that it has given me so much! Sometimes I feel like the Mentee instead of the Mentor. Heather and I have built-up a comfortable trust in each other. She has a wonderful, fun loving personality and a sincere concern for others. Heather has been a joy and an inspiration to be with. We have also enjoyed meeting and working not only with other Mentors and Mentees, but with the great staff of the Mentor Program as well. This has been and continues to be a very enriching program in my life." Mentee: Heather..."It has been fun having Betsy as my Mentor because she's helped me a lot and she's become my best friend."  

Mentor: Sally Lippitt-Houston..."I feel very fortunate to have this wonderful little girl as a true friend, and feel that it is important to have young people in your life to keep you flexible and vibrant. I enrolled Tiffany in gymnastics, and during class, Tiffany frequently looks up to make sure that I'm watching. It makes her happy to have my undivided attention. I cannot imagine someone not wanting to have this experience." Mentee: Tiffany..."We get to read and play games with each other. We go to gymnastics and sometimes we go to Sally's house. I love Sally; she's the best Mentor I could ever have."

Mentor: Preston Sitterly..."The Mentoring program means a guaranteed high point in my week, including lots of laughs and smiles. I'm very lucky to be able to spend time with a great guy like Dominic. Even though we aren't obliged to get together during the summer (non-school) months, some of my favorite times with Dom were reading and cutting brush around my house last summer. Other things we like are shooting hoops and getting packs of football cards. This summer, we'll probably tackle cutting a tree down, along with some more reading, shooting hoops, and maybe a jaunt out to the coast for a day. Dom's just a great guy to spend time with." Mentee: Dominic..."Preston and I have fun. He helps me with my schoolwork, we play basketball, and he takes me to his house to help him with yard work. We go for ice cream and visit the toy store. I help him sell houses. Preston might take me to the beach this summer; that would be great! I think he is like a big brother and a good friend. I look forward the seeing him each week." Back to Top

Teachers & Counselors Speak Out...
"The mentoring program has opened up wonderful opportunities and experiences for student. Seeing their eyes light up when their mentor comes calling, coupled with knowing they are going to a safe place that will provide them the support and esteem building they need, makes this program a true success!"  - Janine Tommasi, Altimira Middle School teacher

"I have been fortunate to work with outstanding mentors. Mentors serve as role models for positive behavior and life choices including lifeskills like responsibility, caring, respect, perseverance and sense of humor! Having fun and sharing a joy of life are equally valuable to academic success in the lives of my students."  - Dana Ashby, Altimira Middle School teacher

"More than half of my thirty students have mentoring relationships, and I have absolutely no doubt that they are better off for it. They, and we, are blessed by this program."  - Jim Tonery, Flowery School teacher/ V.P.

"In my thirteen years of working at Flowery, I have not seen any program that has so intimately touched the lives of so many of our students." - Doris Estudillo, Flowery School teacher

"These students receive much more than an hour of one person's time per week. They get a new, valuable and hopefully lifelong friend."  - Bob Gossett, Flowery School teacher

"It is a pleasure to work with mentors and see them giving a part of their lives to our students. Students look forward to the invaluable time with their mentor both during school and other times. The relationship between mentor and student is mutually beneficial bringing about growth and well being."  - Lora Grimes, Adele Harrison Middle School counselor

"I was privileged to witness, first hand, how the mentor program helped one of my students. His grades not only improved but, more importantly, so did his attitude towards school." 
- Kathy Eschleman, Adele Harrison teacher

"Having a mentor opens up a whole new world to which many student might not otherwise be exposed. Mentors spend much-needed one-on-one time, and initiate those important conversations about academic success, social relationships, and setting goals for the future. They are caring role models whose sole purpose is to form and maintain a positive, meaningful and productive relationship with a child. Mentors make a huge difference in the lives of our students."  - Suzanne Flint, Former El Verano School Healthy Start Coordinator, Counselor Back to Top

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