“I had a conversation with the recent guardians of my mentee. They expressed the challenges they faced as guardians, especially in obtaining information about the youth’s past, including medical history. This made me realize that, apart from his biological mom, I am the adult who has been in his life the longest, nearing half of his life as he approaches adulthood.

When I first met him, his living situation changed four times in the initial six months. The last change, just days before Christmas, landed him in a group home where he knew no one. Initially defiant, he had reasons not to trust me or believe in the mentoring program, given his history of shifting caregivers and living arrangements. However, with Wonder’s support, patience, and understanding, I consistently showed up. Eventually, he recognized I wasn’t as bad as he initially thought, and we spent that Christmas together.

Recently, I had the privilege of watching him play football for his high school team. Witnessing his passion and skill was exhilarating, providing him with a foundation for various aspects of life, including body care, nutrition, friendship-building, self-discipline, and the benefits of routine and support from his team and coaches.

After the game, we discussed his journey with football. Despite a negative experience in a group home when he was younger, he persevered and now loves the sport. College discussions are on the horizon, driven by his desire for more opportunities in football. This highlights the importance of Wonder Guides, offering stability and personal history for kids who have faced numerous challenges and constant changes.

I also shared with his guardians his commendable commitment to healthy eating, considering that a previous living situation involved frequent fast food dinners. Through gentle encouragement, his culinary preferences expanded, and we even participated in a cooking class together. Such seemingly simple aspects, like having pictures from various life stages, are not guaranteed for these kids, making it an honor to possess and share photos from his life.” -Blog submission from a current Wonder mentor

Mentors play a crucial role in piecing together the fragmented elements of these kids’ lives, helping them and their guardians understand their past, appreciate their growth, and celebrate their resilience despite the challenges they’ve faced. This is the magic of the Wonder Mentoring Program, intertwining challenging and nurturing moments to weave lives together, resulting in joy and healing.