Victor’s Story
The Bridge Mentoring Program
Victor aged 16, recently experienced the loss of his uncle, who acted as a father figure to him since he was born. Victor’s mother worries for him, as he has become quiet and doesn’t open up at home. After being referred by Victor’s school counselor, she enrolls him into the mentoring program over at The Bridge, hoping it can help her support him.
The first time our case manager met Victor, he was reserved. His school counselor assessed that he was struggling to manage his feelings and describes him as having outbursts of anger and being disengaged in classes. Recognizing the need for connection, and skills in communication and emotional regulation, our mentor case manager matches Victor with Erik.
Erik is a substitute teacher and coach for a youth soccer team in the area. Their schedules align well, having their meet ups after school and on days school is out of session. During beginning sessions, Erik and Victor would attend the YMCA available to all mentors and Bridge staff to play basketball, something Victor enjoys doing in his spare time with his siblings and friends. A few weeks into their match relationship, with training from The Bridge, Erik has Victor complete the Casey Life Skills assessment to know how to lead conversations around Victor’s goals and what Victor could use support in building. Victor’s assessment identified needing help preparing for exams, and lead to further conversations around him wanting to get his driver’s license.
As they met each week, Erik started witnessing Victor open up. Victor was thankful to have someone outside of his family to support him. Since his uncle’s passing, the family has had to take on various responsibilities, leaving Victor feeling unsure how to ask for help. Since spending time with Erik, Victor has been able to open up about feeling supported and recognized in his match. “Erik has shown me that talking about the things I have gone through are only part of my story, and leaning on my family and him for support has made me feel motivated to keep going.”
Since Victor and Erik’s match, Victor has gone on to get his license, and with check-ins from the school, Victor has made strides in his attendance and grades as well. Victor’s mom finds encouragement that her son is starting to “act like him again”, and with the help of his mentor, build on his skills and continue to grow. Victor has since started his first job with Erik’s help and continues to check in on the weekends. Although busy with his new responsibilities, he’s excited to participate in events The Bridge hosts for the mentor program, and encourages kids to join. Not knowing what to expect when joining, he’s thankful to have come to The Bridge.