Olivia’s Story
The Bridge Mentoring Program
Olivia, aged 13, learned about our program at a School event The Bridge tabled for. After hearing about some of the events and activities mentors and mentees have participated in, her dad encouraged her to try something new. “We’re always looking for ways to keep her busy, there are so many pressures and outside influences our kids face right now and we are hoping the mentor program gives her a positive outlet.”
At the first meeting with the mentor case manager, Olivia and Dad share more about what brings them to the program. Olivia’s dad, Lance, explains that Olivia recently had a challenging experience with bullying that diminished her confidence. Her parents would like to see Olivia have a positive self-image and even make new friends.
When meeting with Olivia, and hearing about her interests, our case manager decides that Hailey would be an excellent fit for her and arranges a match meeting for the family and mentor to agree to the match. With careful consideration to the supports Olivia needs, Hailey, a local hair stylist in town, is excited to build a strong relationship with Olivia and find commonalities to build her trust.
Olivia is in the final year of middle school, hoping for a fresh start in high school, and willing to try new things. Although, she worries about her abilities to navigate friendships in the new environment. Leading into summer, Hailey takes the opportunity to go over the list of planned events and activities The Bridge puts together for mentors to take mentees with Olivia.
After finding an activity Olivia is interested in, Hailey reaches out to the case manager to see if any other pairs would like to join them, that may need practice and encouragement building relationships. Hailey and Olivia were able to meet another mentoring pair, Sue and Nicole, at a library event for teens to learn music production taught by a professional music producer, and learn new concepts each week.
Hailey and Nicole crafted a strong friendship built on communication, trust, and became confident in themselves and their ability to connect thanks to their mentors support. Having attended different schools previously, Olivia and Nicole were able to coordinate times with their mentors to do activities together before starting high school together in the Fall.
Olivia’s parents describe a shift in positive perspective for Olivia, a welcoming friendship and supportive mentor has shown her the power of support and respect, allowing her own personality to shine through unwavering.