Whether you brought a dinner, rocked a baby, taught a life education night, or mentored a teen parent – you made a difference. Thank you for serving! The week of April 20th, we celebrated Ministry Partner Appreciation Week with videos to say “Thank You” from clients and staff. Click here to see those videos! In addition, we honored three women as Volunteers of the Year.
Sarah Love, Antioch Program Director, honored mentor Melissa Weaver. Over the course of two years, Melissa has mentored Ingrid and Lindsey. Each week, Melissa has hugs and smiles for everyone, and sincerely cares about each person. She is quick to listen to her mentees and respects their decisions as they learn to navigate parenting, work, and life. In addition to serving teen parents, she is a generous contributor to the whole mentor team and we are a better team with her.
Christina Greer, Wheeling Program Director, announced Jackie Haney as Volunteer of the Year. While every mentor is an incredible example of service, Jackie stands out because she has served faithfully since 2011. She has now mentored three moms and has supported many more after graduation. Jackie helps out in any way that is needed, going above and beyond her role as a mentor. Her keen insight and love for our young parents and their children is abundant and evident.
Eliza LaBelle, Gurnee Program Director, acknowledged Kindred Kids Childcare Coordinator and Mentor Dawn Anderson as Volunteer of the Year. This was Dawn’s first year volunteering with the ministry and jumped into the role with enthusiasm. She is an administrative genius and a compassionate mentor. As a single parent herself, Dawn recognizes the importance of coaching and encouraging her mentee. Dawn is committed to the ministry’s mission of helping young parents thrive.