SpringForwardMN - Match more youth with mentors

"Matt" was adopted from Russia at the age of 7 by a loving couple. After allegations of abuse surfaced, his adoptive parents divorced, leaving Matt without a father figure in his life. Matt’s challenges were both academic and his temper, which lead to issues at school. 

According to his mentor, Pete, Matt’s strengths are many. He is a very sweet, outgoing kid who loves sports. He is currently playing football for Roosevelt High School. Although Pete and Matt graduated from Bolder Options 3 years ago, they still get together once a month. In Pete’s words:

“He has latched on to me because he sees stability in a male adult figure in his life. The biggest change I’ve seen in Matt is his focus on doing the right thing instead of impulsively what he knows is wrong.”

As a result of having Pete as a mentor, Matt is showing more interest in school and performing better. They have sports as a common interest and “talk sports all the time.” 

Pete says:

“We tease each other as friends, yet there is a father/son respect for each other. By far the most amazing outcome of our so-called one-year mentoring relationship is that there has never been a discussion that this would end. We are lifelong friends.”