Invaluable Role Models for my Children

By Jessica Pettigrew, parent of children in the LAF Afterschool program

I am a parent of three children who attend the LAF program at the Welcome Inn. My children have built strong and engaging relationships with the Student Open Circles volunteers year after year.

Every day when I pick up my children, the SOC student volunteers are happy to greet parents and give updates as to what the child accomplished or did during the program. The child leaves excited to come back the next day to continue connecting with their friend and mentor. A large group of committed volunteers show up each day. They are committed to attending despite their own commitments or deadlines. Even with the transit disruption, they managed to arrange rides and pay for Ubers.

Raising a child who is biracial, I appreciate the diverse backgrounds that the volunteers come from. The volunteers provide a mentoring relationship where my daughter learns, receives support and has fun with someone who looks just like her.

For my boys, the volunteer program provides strong male mentors and positive influence. My boys do not have a male figure in their life and have learned self-regulation skills, basketballs and anger management. 

This group deserves a lot of recognition for its commitment to the north end community. These mentors make such a positive impact on the youth that will have a lasting influence on their future.

Thank you!