Three years ago, Jorge was a lonely, depressed 11-year-old kid. Between schoolwork, taking care of his younger brother, and helping his single mother with her catering business, Jorge was feeling a tremendous amount of stress. Up to this point, Jorge was "just a grown up all my life." He didn't really have friends to hang out with or talk to. "I got used to being alone," Jorge says.
Then Chris entered the picture. Chris, a software programmer, knew that a lot of people had supported him throughout his life so he decided that it was time to do the same. Chris and Jorge were matched through the SUCCESS Mentoring Program at Youth Eastside Services, a United Way of King County grantee. When they first met, Jorge was nervous and Chris was worried that being a mentor would be difficult. But they quickly found out that they had a lot in common.
Today, Chris and Jorge still spend a few hours every weekend together just as they have for the past three years. They go to plays and other events or just hang out and talk. In fact, that is what Chris has enjoyed the most, "just talking for hours over brunch." Jorge's favorite activity has been canoeing through the Arboretum. Chris has helped Jorge develop ways to deal with his problems and improve his self-confidence.
Jorge's mentoring experience is something that he will always carry with him. He says, "I know that someone is always there for me. Someone is always there to cheer me on."
"It is a joy to see someone blossom, to meet their full potential," says Chris.
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