Donna Myers and Vince Kelley are making a difference, one family at a time, by serving as FamilyForward mentors.
A little more than two years ago, volunteer mentors Donna Myers and Vince Kelley were paired together (as mentors always are) to help a single mother participating in the FamilyForward program as she navigated a particularly challenging time. Vince and Donna each brought their own set of gifts and talents to help their new client. Recently, their client graduated from the FamilyForward program, bringing a sense of personal satisfaction for this mentor team as well as pride in their client’s achievements. We asked Donna and Vince to share a few reflections on serving as mentors.
Making a difference, one family at a time, as mentors
Both Donna and Vince were recently retired when they decided to get involved at FamilyForward. They were each looking for a way to make a difference directly in people’s lives in the local community. Serving as volunteer mentors turned out to be a great fit for both.
Vince, who was originally a drywall contractor, began a second career as a clinical social worker at age 60. As a social worker, he found it challenging and rewarding to help people facing a variety of challenges, which is why he was drawn to serving as a mentor for FamilyForward. He also credits his time as a drywall contractor for helping him become adept at solving financial challenges, a valuable skill he is now able to share with FamilyForward clients.
Donna, likewise, has put her career and life skills to work as a volunteer mentor. As a retired banker, she has a lot of experience in “budgeting, borrowing and encouraging.” She loves balancing a checkbook down to the penny. Donna was a single mom for many years, which is another reason she finds it fulfilling to be a source of support for FamilyForward clients. “I understand the relief of having money in a savings account.” She still checks in with a past client from time to time and celebrates the family’s ongoing growth and stability.
Vince feels that serving as a mentor has reinforced his belief that “each of us ultimately solves our own problems.” He believes everyone needs help in finding their path — “someone in our lives to aim us in the right direction.” Helping others to move forward also inspires him in his own life journey.
An opportunity to help the larger community
Donna and Vince have seen, firsthand, the impact FamilyForward makes on the larger community. “FamilyForward identifies struggling families then intervenes with financial, and more importantly, personal advice and support. In my experience, this help is timely and life-changing,” said Vince. He has been impressed by each family’s determination to improve their lives and “help their children to become good citizens.”
Donna believes volunteer mentors are a critically important component of the FamilyForward program, above and beyond the rent-assistance element. She feels strongly that mentors provide families the moral, emotional and educational support parents need to stay on track. “Many people are on their own, with no backup. Others are fortunate to have family, and FamilyForward is there with additional support and ideas.”
As they look back on their mentoring experiences, Vince and Donna are amazed at the progress their clients have made. Vince has found it rewarding to be there for parents as they “overcome severe setbacks and then move forward to live life with hope and promise.” Donna has appreciated the new and ongoing friendships she has found — with clients, staff and other mentors — and finds joy in witnessing parents’ strength and persistence. Seeing them “work so hard to improve their situation, raise their kids, pay down debt and save money makes me glad I chose to be a mentor for FamilyForward.” Thank you, Donna, and Vince, for your dedication, work, and commitment to helping parents build a better life for their children.
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