(Posted 2025 March)
To close out National Mentor Appreciation Month, Volunteer and Partner Services hosted a special event designed to support and uplift the dedicated mentors of the BeFriend-A-Child Mentoring program. With a focus on both nourishment and knowledge, we aimed to create a space where mentors could connect, learn, and reflect on their essential roles in the lives of young individuals.
Envisioning a Common Purpose
The day began with a warm welcome and a delicious spread of food generously provided by several community donors including Fair Lakes Nothing Bundt Cakes, Insomnia Cookies in Fairfax, Fairfax Baja Fresh, Pot Belly in Springfield, and Fair Lakes Chick-Fil-A. This shared meal fostered a sense of community and shared purpose, highlighting the collective support behind our mentoring efforts.
After enjoying the delightful meal, participants engaged in a creative vision board-making activity. This hands-on exercise encouraged mentors to visualize their goals, aspirations, and the impact they hope to achieve in their mentorship roles. It was inspiring to see individuals come together and share ideas.
The mentors even enjoyed a bit of friendly competition over the raffle prizes. We are grateful that a variety of local businesses donated these relaxation and amusement experiences including Cooper’s Hawk Winery, Five Iron Golf, Bond’s Escape Room Fairfax, Beat the Bomb DC, Six Flags America, Patty O’s Café at the Little Inn at Washington, Sun & Moon Yoga Studio, Pinecrest Golf Course, 5 Wits Arlington, Great American Restaurants, and Club Pilates.
Prioritizing Self Care
The highlight of the event was our guest speaker, Jennifer Hannett, LCSW, RPT from the Gil Institute for Trauma Recovery & Education. She facilitated an insightful discussion on the topic of recognizing and managing secondary trauma.
Mentors often carry the emotional weight of the challenges faced by the children they support, and it is important for them to prioritize their own well-being. Through interactive discussions and shared experiences, mentors gained a deeper understanding of how to cope with the stresses of their roles and ensure that they remain effective and resilient helpers and guides.
This event not only celebrated the vital work of our mentors but also fostered an enriching environment for personal and professional development. By addressing the often-overlooked issue of secondary trauma, we reinforced the importance of self-care and community support within the mentoring network.
Inspired and Grateful
As we concluded the day, it was clear that our mentors left feeling more connected, informed, and inspired to continue the important work of mentoring.
We are grateful to everyone who contributed to making this event a success and look forward to hosting more gatherings that support our mentors in their invaluable missions. Together, we are building a stronger foundation for the future of the children we serve.
If you or anyone you know would like to contribute to the success of the BeFriend-A-Child Mentoring Program by donating to an event, or becoming a mentor feel free to reach out to one of the BeFriend-A-Child Mentor Coordinators at 703-324-7072.