Match Stories

Chris and Isaac have been matched for over 2 years.  At the beginning, Chris was really excited to be matched with a mentee as soon as he could and when the opportunity came, he wasn’t going to let it slip away.  Both Chris and Isaac were presented the profile of the each other and approved of the Match right away.  The match meeting was set by AFC staff and they were both waiting patiently for the day to arrive.  About 1 week before the match meeting took place, our Program Coordinator received a phone call from Jackie, Isaac’s caretaker, saying that she was nervous because it looked as though the family would be uprooted soon, moving to Mansfield, MA.  Not knowing if Chris would still be up to mentoring someone so far away,  the Program Coordinator called Chris and informed him of the upcoming change in logistics.  Chris, without hesitation, responded “That’s no problem, I’m really looking forward to meeting Isaac!”  This truly is a testament of the attitude and commitment Chris has taken.  He  has set wonderful examples through out the duration of his mentorship with Isaac.  No matter what the activity,  if Isaac was interested and excited about something,  Chris would do everything he could to make it happen.  Chris and Isaac have taken advantage of so many great opportunities to tighten their bond and learn about each other.  They have attended countless sporting events, community activities, as well as attending the AFC annual camping trip.  Isaac has said that “Chris is cool and really funny, he sometimes acts like a big kid, cracking jokes and stuff.”  Chris says “Isaac is a very mature young man and there’s not much that Isaac doesn’t have  knowledge of or understanding about. He’s a really intuitive, a very smart kid”.

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Meet Dez:  Desirae, or “Dez” as she is affectionately known by AFC and her mentee, has been a mentor with AFC since April 2010; over this time, she has been a mentor to two young girls.  Dez and her current mentee have been matched for one year and just celebrated their first anniversary celebration in December 2011!

Dez has been a wonderful support to her mentee, going above and beyond her role as a mentor by truly embracing the notion that there is no “right” way of supporting youth in care. Dez has proven to be incredibly understanding and supportive of all the different ways she can be a part of her mentee’s life. Dez is the perfect example of a committed mentor who is willing to meet her mentee where she is emotionally, without expectations.

Dez continues to provide the type of support that her mentee needs, regardless of her own goals for their relationship. As a truly selfless mentor, she has focused on what she can give instead of what she can receive. Dez is excited to learn and grow with her mentee as they continue their relationship!

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Meet Jodi: Jodi has been matched with her mentee for four and a half years. They have developed an incredibly strong bond over their time together. Despite living in different areas, Jodi and her mentee have been able to stay in touch through phone, email, and Facebook, proving a strong commitment to their relationship.

Jodi has shown a dedicated interest in her mentee’s positive development and continues to advocate on her behalf. In speaking with Jodi, it is evident how much she respects her mentee, enjoys her company and looks forward to their time together. We are lucky to have them as a part of our AFC community!