[Below is a true story, but names of the mentor, student and family members involved have been changed to honor their privacy.] Mikayla is in the third grade. She has had a difficult life. She wants so badly to live with her mom, but her mom is not in a place where she can parent right now and … [Read more...] about The Best Christmas Gift Might Not Be What You’d Expect
Sacred Stories: Amy & TaQwayisha
“God causes all things to work together for good, for those who love him and are called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28 Building a relationship with a student is the easy part. The majority of the kids in our program take to their mentors right away. But sometimes building a relationship … [Read more...] about Sacred Stories: Amy & TaQwayisha
Sacred Stories: Rocky & Kwame
As I walked through the cafeteria for the first time to meet Kwame at Cornerstone Elementary, of course every student at the table was interested in who I was and why I was there. Kwame introduced me as his mentor. One of the kids replied, “What’s that?” I was curious to see his response, which … [Read more...] about Sacred Stories: Rocky & Kwame
Sacred Stories: Byron & Kevin
I began serving as a mentor this past fall (September 2016). My mentee’s name is Kevin, and he is a 4th grader at Cornerstone Elementary School. I was not quite sure what to expect in my experience with Kevin, but I can now say that we’ve been a blessing to each other. I came into the program … [Read more...] about Sacred Stories: Byron & Kevin
Sacred Stories: Bryan & Marlo
Meet Bryan Jenkins and Marlo Wellman. Marlo, a 5 th grader at Restoration Academy and Bryan, his mentor, have been alongside each other for a year. Bryan and his wife are members at Valleydale Baptist and he has been involved with Restoration Academy for a few years but came to Aspire because his … [Read more...] about Sacred Stories: Bryan & Marlo
Sacred Stories: Olivia w/ Seanna & Cydney
Olivia has been mentoring these two sisters for over a year. As a member of Redeemer Community Church in Birmingham she was interested in building some intentional relationships outside of her comfort zone. Though her vocation as a behavior analysis keeps her busy, she always finds time to connect … [Read more...] about Sacred Stories: Olivia w/ Seanna & Cydney