January is National Mentoring Month.

Christy Wright’s journey with her TeamMates mentee started 4 years ago. Little did she know at the time, that relationship would change her life.

The pair were matched in Sioux City, IA when Christy’s mentee was in 3rd grade.

“She was this sweet little girl when I first walked into the office,” Christy explained. “They couldn’t have matched me any better.”

Founded in 1991, TeamMates Mentoring Program bonds adults and youth together in a school-based setting. Matches meet once a week at school during the academic year to do a craft, play board games, or just talk.

Through the years, they bonded over similar interests. Christy attended the same school growing up, they enjoy the same activities, and they even have the same favorite color.

“There are a lot of little things that tie us together— she’s almost a little mini me,” Christy laughed.

It wasn’t until about two years ago, Christy found they had more in common than she originally thought. Christy’s father was diagnosed with cancer, a battle her mentee’s father has been fighting for the past 10 years.

“I kept thinking, ‘How am I going to do this?'” she explained. “[My mentee] is making life go on, and if she can do it, so can I.”

Christy said she didn’t share her struggle with her mentee, but she felt her mentee’s strength as her father continued to fight for his life.

“She’s better for me than I am for her,” Christy said. “She’s bubbly and bouncy— you wouldn’t believe she’s going through what she is.”

Christy’s father is now doing well, but she continues to support her mentee through her father’s fight. Christy said her goal is for her mentee to stay positive through this tough time.

“This world can be a struggle, but if she can be the person she is now, it’s worth every minute,” Christy said.

Mentees can be nominated through a parent, school staff person, or through self-nomination. They’re matched with their mentors through similar interests and life events.

More than 90 percent of mentees say they trust their mentors and many report higher levels of hope, engagement in school and well-being.

Christy said that one hour with her mentee a week has made a huge impact on her life.

“It’s so life-changing,” she said. “I would recommend it for anybody!”

Take Action

If you’re inspired by Christy’s experience as a mentor, here are ways you can get involved.

  • Residents of Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Wyoming can apply to become a mentor at TeamMates. If you’re located in another state, search Giving Compass for volunteer opportunities related to youth and mentoring.
  • Mentoring organizations often rely on donor funds to help run their programs. These dollars can help train mentors and support mentor-mentee relationships.
  • Access research to learn more about the benefits of mentoring.

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Original contribution by Hannah Miller, TeamMates Communications and Recruitment Specialist.