The Best Present: Hope
A warm smile and strong shoulders that uplifted the family... This is how Katie remembers her grandma, Nanny. After Nanny passed away, Katie and her three girls hit a rough patch.
“She would introduce herself as Nanny everywhere she went, that’s just the kind of person she was,” mentioned Katie. “My girls were very close to her and it left a hole in our family when she passed away. Nanny was actually the one who first told me about Catholic Charities’ Community Center of Caring Food Pantry in Auburn.”
As a single mom, Katie had a hard few years and needed extra support for her family along the way. Knowing Christmas would not be possible, she signed up for Catholic Charities’ Christmas Program in 2022.
““When I learned about the Youth Mentoring Program, I knew this was something my girls needed,” Katie said. “My oldest was very close to Nanny and really needed someone to step in as a role model from outside of our family.””
“Just when I felt like I was losing hope, I heard about the Christmas Program in Auburn,” Katie said. “At the time, I could not get anything for the girls, but I really wanted them to have presents to open on Christmas morning. It can be hard to accept a hand up, but I always remain focused on providing the best future for my family.”
After enrolling in the Christmas Program, Katie filled out a survey expressing interest in the Youth Mentor Program and got connected to Catholic Charities’ Youth Mentoring case manager, Heather Thiel.
A nervous 11-year-old Kealey and excited 10-year-old Dasiey attended the program’s bowling night to learn more. There, they met Lana.
“At first, Kealey was hesitant at the event, but soon she met Ms. Lana and they clicked,” says Heather. “Ms. Lana is a previous mentor and is really good with kids. Right now, she serves as a mentor to both Kealey and Dasiey because we don’t have enough mentors for all the children who want to join the program. It has worked out because Ms. Lana gives both girls the attention needed to accomplish their individual ambitions.”
The goal of the Youth Mentoring Program is to give students an adult positive role model they can turn to when they need extra support. The program puts a large emphasis on matching the right mentor to mentee based on their specific goals.
Students meet with their mentors monthly. Both the girls have enjoyed some of the large group outings, like a Tin Caps game and visiting Image of Hope Ranch, which provides equine therapy.
When asked words of advice for those thinking about mentoring, Katie said, “Go for it!”