ONE TO ONE MENTORING

name + role

Marisa Marshalka, Case Manager, One to One Mentoring

yearS + grant amountS

We have received JFK grants for many years. In 2021, we were awarded $4,000. In 2022, we were awarded $5,000.

WORK IN San Miguel County

Telluride

PROJECTS + ACTIVITIES

JFK supports general operations of One to One Mentoring. We have a Community Mentoring Program where we match adult volunteer mentors with youth in the region. 

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

One to One Mentoring is grateful for this match, which illustrates the benefits of mentoring. Born and raised in the West End, “Jamie” experienced a traumatic first five years. She lived in a chaotic house with drug and alcohol abuse and multiple young children. Her father was ultimately awarded custody and most of Jamie’s time is spent in her dad’s home.

One to One Mentoring matched Jamie with, “Mary”, a teacher who had previously taught Jamie. The match focuses on providing Jamie with a consistent and caring female figure and has proved very successful. The pair enjoy baking and spending time together. Mary has had two children since the match started and Jamie enjoys spending time with them. Mary also provides practical supports, like ensuring Jamie has sufficient winter clothing and academic support and accountability. Jamie is now in seventh grade, doing well in school and thriving overall. She has a love for horses and is involved in community based horsemanship activities. Although Mary has moved to another part of San Miguel County, the pair remain connected. In fact, at one point during the pandemic, Jamie lived with Mary and her family so that her father could take work out of the area without disrupting Jamie’s routine.

Important, life-changing connections like these do not happen without One to One Mentoring, the only organization of its kind in San Miguel County -- and whose work is made possible thanks to the support of organizations like Just For Kids.

LESSONS LEARNED

“Alex” and “Paul” are both high school students who live in Mountain Village with their mother, a member of the immigrant community who is primarily Spanish-speaking, and another brother. For a number of years, Alex had a mentor and the match was successful in helping him, and also Paul. Alex, for instance, suffered from extreme shyness, lack of confidence and anxiety that left him struggling with basic communication, as well as academically, before being matched. Through mentoring, Alex gained confidence and life skills. One to One Mentoring case managers are dedicated to supporting the entire family, so the opportunities afforded to Alex were also available to Paul. Both boys are doing well and have discovered a love of the outdoors, especially mountain biking, snow sports, camping and climbing.

Now, as a teenager, Alex has outgrown his mentoring relationship, but he continues to thrive thanks to the presence of caring and consistent mentors during key periods of his life. And his and his family’s relationship with One to One Mentoring continues. For example, this summer, the brothers wanted to participate in week-long, sleep-away summer camps in the outdoors. A bilingual One to One Mentoring case manager supported their mother in the completion of the required forms and waivers and ensured the boys had appropriate gear and other resources, leading to positive experiences for Alex and Paul.

The story of Alex and Paul is an important reminder that One to One Mentoring’s work extends beyond making and supporting matches and includes comprehensive case management that supports the entire family unit and is a vital component of wraparound care. 

FOLLOW US

Follow us on Instagram @onetoonementoring and on Facebook at One to One Mentoring Program.

Photo credit: PJ Kelley