What legacy has the organization created?
We have established the financial stability of the organization building up a $4M endowment and cash reserve. We have reignited the brand and set up the organization for growth to serve more families. [Our] mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Nearly half a million children in Metro Atlanta live in communities with low or very low child well-being. Our vital mission is to recruit volunteers to become mentors to children facing adversity. Our goal is to serve more children and increase positive outcomes by matching them with an adult who will ignite their full potential.
How is your institution leveraging technology to be more efficient and effective?
During COVID, we had to utilize technology to continue to make matches. During this time of social isolation, when children are at home and don’t have the [support] of the school environment, interaction with a caring adult is critical. We are encouraging volunteers to leverage technology to remain in touch with their mentees, to talk with them about their feelings, offer online educational opportunities, and assist with school work. We have been providing ideas for virtual “outings” through FaceTime, Zoom or other technologies. In addition, our Match Support Specialists can also help to connect families and volunteers with much-needed resources.
What is one quote — famous or not — that you use to inspire others.
“No structure worth building can be constructed in the absence of a solid foundation.”
