Why you should mentor . . .

I realize that if we're friends on facebook, you have probably already seen me post this link approximately 734 times. But I really feel like I have a few more annoying times of sharing before I make everyone un-friend me. You see, the new school year has begun, which means we want to match a new round of fourth graders with mentors. To accomplish this goal, we need mentors. If this is something you think you'd like to sign-up for/learn more about, PLEASE Sign up for mentor training this weekend (there's one on Saturday and one on Sunday). If you cant make it to our house this weekend (did I mention the bonus that you get to visit our house, meet our chickens, and I'll even force Adam to make you something delicious?!), let us know and we will put together some more training dates for September.

Most of you probably already know how passionate we are about mentoring (otherwise, we obviously wouldn't have started a mentoring program); but for anyone who is unsure about the whole thing, I wanted to share some of our reasoning and perspective on mentoring. Also, I've included an extensive photo montage of our relationship over the years with our beloved Zack, because y'all know that restraint has never been my strong suit.

From our side of things: We have had the joy and privilege of mentoring Zack for the last six years. This relationship, in fact, is what led us to start Blueprint 58 in the first place. One reason we are so passionate about mentoring is because of how deeply and fully we have been transformed as a result of mentoring Zack. Not because we are “such good people” or because we have done so much for Zack, but because he has shown us Jesus, shown us what it means to persevere, to love fully and to be selfless, overcoming adversity . . . We learn new things from our sweet Zack every time we are with him, and we are so glad to have him as a part of our lives and our children’s lives. Jayci calls him “big brother” and “Ack” was one of Caden’s first words. Mentoring is a mutually transformative relationship, because investing our lives in something meaningful makes us better and more whole people. Likewise, having someone truly invest themselves into you offers a sense of worth and value, reminding of your true identity and speaking Truth that helps overcome the obstacles and hardships the world might throw your way. We love Zack and he is truly an integral part of our family, our ministry, and who we are.

From Zack: I have had a wonderful experience with you and your family. When you and adam first introduce yourself I knew you would treat me like your own famiy. The way you have affected my life is by me knowing that you guys are always there for me and my situation. Also made me to strive to be the best I can be. Me being one of the ones you guys care for make me feel very important. Thank you for every thing you have done for me and my family . I love you!!!!!!!!!!!

What is a mentor –
Mentoring is the foundation of Blueprint 58. We match Christian mentors with the public school children in our neighborhood. We match mentors with students in 4th grade, and ask that the mentor walk with their student through the 12th grade. A minimum of two-year commitment is required, because we believe that the last thing these children need is simply another person who “gives up on them” and ends the relationship after a short period of time. Because of this conviction, our ministry will commit to our mentored children through high school. This means that if a child’s mentor is unable to continue for any reason, we will match them with a new mentor throughout their middle and high school career.

The Role of a Mentor:

Walk with a young person and develop an on-going, one-to one relationship
Serve as a role model, advocate, advisor and friend
Be a good listener
Be respectful of differences
To communicate with your student (via phone, email, letter) once a week, and meet with your student face-to-face at least 4-6 hours per month.
Pray for your student on a regular basis
To walk along side your student until they finish high school