20. TrooRa The Inclusivity Issue Autumn 2023

The program is designed to be a long-term mentoring relationship, with mentors committing to at least one year of consistent contact with their mentee with at least two to four meetings a month. Mentors and mentees are encouraged to spend time together regularly, engaging in activities such as playing sports, going to the movies, or simply spending time together talking and building a relationship. AFK has been incredibly successful in its mission, serving over 2,500 children since its inception. In addition to its mentoring program, AFK hosts fundraising events throughout the year,

including a gala event in November. These events raise funds for the organization and serve as a way to raise awareness about the importance of mentorship and the impact that AFK is having in the community. AFK’s impact can be seen in the countless success stories of its mentees. One such story is Isaac, who was struggling in school and had lost confidence in himself. After being paired with a mentor through AFK, Isaac’s grades improved, and he gained a newfound sense of self-worth. Today, Isaac is thriving and is on track to graduate from high school and attend college. Another success story is Anthony, who was facing significant challenges at home and in school. Through his relationship with his mentor, Anthony gained the support and guidance to overcome these challenges and succeed in school. Today, Anthony is a college graduate and is giving back to his community by volunteering with AFK as a mentor himself. AFK’s success stories are a testament to the power of mentorship and the impact that positive role models can have on the lives of children. The organization’s commitment to serving the whole family and its focus on building long-term relationships have set it apart as a leader in the mentoring field. AFK’s successes are a testament to their belief in the power of supportive relationships outside the family to build confidence and restore hope. As further proof of this, many mentorships blossom into friendships and companionships, which go a long way in bettering the lives of the mentors and the mentees and helping positively impact the community.

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