It has been a whirlwind! On May 18th I raised my hand to volunteer at a Hopeworks function and on June 2nd I was at a 3 hour training/orientation at Hopeworks. On June 28th I was introduced to my mentee, Angel. I had no idea what it would be like. Could I really make a difference? Would Angel even like me? Although I was nervous, I was sure if I asked questions and LISTENED to answers and was simply interested in Angel, all would be just fine.
My mentee, Angel, is fantastic. Meeting after meeting I can feel (and when we meet in person) see the difference in his confidence, decision making, and personal accountability. Angel had no car to get him from place to place, but had many commitments, including a 30 hour/week internship and a 40 hour/week Tech Serv position serving as a technical support person in a school for one year. He executed a plan to be accountable to his Internship and Tech Serv program while being accountable, and on time, for his Hopeworks meetings as well…and to help at home and to take time to care for himself. Often times I find myself reminded that both of our lives have similar issues of work/life balance. Today, nearly seven months after raising my hand, I won’t say it is always easy to add one more thing in my life, but Angel inspires me! I practice what I preach, as example is best.
Care about commitments. Keep your word. Communicate with honesty and humility. Everyone will mess up from time to time even when we follow these three rules. But mistakes aren’t permanent and we all continue to learn and grow.
P.S. My wife has decided to be a mentor too…if accepted!
Interested in mentoring a Hopeworks youth? Contact Jay Jackson at jay@hopeworks.org for information.
(photo caption: Hopeworks mentor breakfast - Tony Burruano second from right)
Helping disadvantaged young adults in the U.S. to overcome barriers to economic opportunity and secured sustained long-term employment Hopeworks was founded in New Jersey in 1999 to help young adults overcome barriers to economic opportunity and build sustainable futures. Most participants do not have college degrees, and 99% of them are unemployed when they join […]
$1.2M Commitment from The Hg Foundation Enables Hopeworks’ Expansion into Two New Cities The Hg Foundation, a grant-giving charity focused on improving tech education and skills, today announced a new $1.2 million partnership with Hopeworks, a U.S. social enterprise that supports young adults into long-term living wage careers. The partnership will enable Hopeworks to expand its […]
Check out our Camden office full of energy, creativity, and hustle at our Pop-Up Shop Lunch Event! Our incredible young adults showcased and sold their original art, handmade jewelry, delicious food desserts, and so much more. From eye-catching booths to mouthwatering treats, every table told a story of passion, talent, and entrepreneurship. Proud to support […]
