One Mentor Has Something to Offer
– March 22, 2017 –
Most of us are probably intimidated by the thought of meeting a complete stranger. How will they think of us? Will we have anything in common? Luke, a mentor for The Coffee Oasis, embraced the challenge and decided to spend time investing in the life of a youth. Luke’s decision was a game changer in the life of that youth.
“Mentoring was the original draw. Meeting one-on-one, getting to know someone, helping them get to their goals.” Mentoring is such a powerful tool, and those wondering how mentoring can work should be aware that it does so not only in cases like this (in a personal capacity) but also in professional environements. Having a support system made up of your colleagues who can relate to the challenges you are facing and offer useful advice, can be the difference between failure and success in the approach you take to your role. Luke first heard about The Coffee Oasis at his church when a volunteer shared about the organization. He was intrigued, but volunteering at that time wasn’t a possibility. Several years later, after his kids had grown a little and time commitments looked different, he began volunteering.
Luke volunteered at the Poulsbo Oasis Youth Center for a while, becoming familiar with the kids and staff, before becoming a mentor. A Coffee Oasis case manager met with Luke, getting to know him a bit so he could be matched with a youth. The case manager introduced “Robert” to Luke, and they all met together to discuss mentoring and Robert’s goals. After this group meeting, Luke began meeting regularly with Robert to encourage and guide him towards his goals.
It took Luke a little while to get to know his mentee. Robert was withdrawn. He would sit in the center and read his book instead of engaging with the other youth and volunteers. Luke says he can be a bit withdrawn himself, so he could relate with that.
The first couple of months of mentoring was spent talking about life, getting to know each other, building trust. “When I first met him, he was so quiet. I was thinking I might have to do all the talking,” shares Luke. “But it wasn’t like that.”
Gradually, Luke got to know more about Robert: he was very capable, showed diligence at school, and followed through on things. As the young man spent time with his mentor, his case manager, and at the Oasis Center, he grew in confidence. “Everyone who knows him has seen him change so much,” says Luke.
Luke celebrated Christmas at the Poulsbo Oasis
Center with the youth he’s come to know.
Robert completed a job internship through The Coffee Oasis and then began hunting for a job. At the Oasis Center, where he used to be so reserved, he now participates in activities and is more ready to talk with people. He plans on doing running start at Olympic College, and his next goal is to get his driver’s license.
Because of Luke, staff, and volunteers, The Coffee Oasis became a safe and welcoming place for Robert. More than that, it became a network of people to guide and cheer him on in life. “I like the idea that I have something to offer,” says Luke. “You can offer your time and your perspective. The biggest thing is offering your time.” When we give of our time, youth like Robert have whole new opportunities in life opened up to them. Join us in sharing life with our kids!
Leave A Comment