Meredith Kendall had the dream life, but God had other plans. He called her away from a successful career to be the Co-Founder of Advancing the Gospel. Up until its closing in 2019, AtG served those who are often forgotten; those Jesus would call “the least of these”. As a nationally recognized sales leader, Meredith learned how to build bridges and make connections with the heart of what people need. Now as a life coach she uses that same ability to cut through the tough layer we use to protect ourselves and help people understand the root causes of their struggles and find freedom through Christ.

In January of 2011, Meredith was attacked by a gang member. She would quickly learn that it was a warning to stop offering freedom to those held in bondage of abuse, addiction and negative cycles.  That attack made Meredith even more aware of the awesome calling on her life and how serious it is to be on the front lines for Jesus. After a few months of recovery Meredith was back in the jails knowing that her attacker, who was never caught, may one day walk into her class.

Over the last decade Meredith has co-authored with her husband a set of life-recovery curriculum called the 180 Program.  Her first work of fiction, My GiGi’s House: Finding Hope, was released October 1^st 2019.   And currently she is working on Part II.

For more information on our Family Mentor Program please call: Gardiner McDowell at 239-707-8902 for our Dads Coaching Dads Mentor Program or Neffeteria Williams for our Moms Mentor Program at 239-412-5725.

Hi, my name is Ed Murdza. I am originally from Connecticut. I mentored a 9-year-old boy from 2010 through 2013 in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and keep in touch with him and visit him every time I go home to CT to visit my sister and family.

In October of 2019, after being involved as a leader with the students at Cape Christian Church, God spoke to me and told me it was time to help a child in the foster system that needed a family. I began my journey fostering. In January of 2021, I was finally approved to adopt a child and soon met Horace Ramtahal from the Children’s Network, who had a match for me, a six-year-old boy. I am so blessed I met Horace as he was amazing through the process. He told me from the day I met him to stay positive through this journey and he would be here for me every step of the way. I finally adopted my son as a single Dad in November 2021 with 25 other families; November is National Adoption Month.

We both attend church every Sunday with my dad, and I am a leader for the middle school students. My son and I also volunteer for different events at church, where my son shines and loves to help. He is amazing and the best thing that ever has happened to me! We have had some challenges, but we always get through them, and I always tell my son I will always be here for him no matter what happens. He loves his new family and has a very close relationship with his poppy (my dad), his cousins, aunts, and uncles. All my life, it’s always been family first!

I have been thinking and praying a lot about what is next in my journey, and I have decided to give back to the Children’s Network and be a mentor for other dads. My son and I also want to get involved in volunteering when needed. The Children’s Network is an amazing place, and the staff is wonderful; I will never forget how they helped me through my process of adopting a child. Also, sometime soon I plan to adopt another child. God is Good. Love is Good. Love God, Love People!

For more information on our Family Mentor Program, please call: Gardiner McDowell at 239-707-8902 for our Dads Coaching Dads Mentor Program or Neffeteria Williams for our Moms Mentor Program at 239-412-5725.

Hello, I’m Jeff Webster, a devoted father to my daughter, Maddison, and an experienced foster parent. At 44, I’ve navigated the ups and downs of parenthood, learning valuable lessons in patience, resilience, and love along the way.

My journey has included sleepless nights, milestone celebrations, and many quiet moments of connection. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of raising children.

Volunteering is my way of giving back to the community that has supported me. I want to mentor other dads because I know the profound impact a positive role model can have. By sharing my experiences, I aim to offer guidance, support, and encouragement to fathers who might need a listening ear or some advice.

I enjoy spending time at theme parks with the children, cooking family meals, and engaging in community service projects, all of which enrich my life and help me bond with my daughter. I look forward to connecting with other fathers, sharing our stories, and supporting each other in the adventure of parenthood.

For more information on our Family Mentor Program please call: Gardiner McDowell at 239-707-8902 for our Dads Coaching Dads Mentor Program or Neffeteria Williams for our Moms Mentor Program at 239-412-5725.

Hi, my name is Dale May.  I’m a former owner of KD Sales Midwest representative agency. I was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I was a high school all American in football 🏈, and I played football and baseball at North Dakota State University (NDSU).

I coached 3 years out of college at Cocoa Beach High School and then started a representative sales agency carrying sports equipment and apparel. I sold the agency 2 years ago (2022) and retired to Florida. I’m an avid NDSU Alumni and football enthusiast.

For more information on our Family Mentor Program please call: Gardiner McDowell at 239-707-8902 for our Dads Coaching Dads Mentor Program or Neffeteria Williams for our Moms Mentor Program at 239-412-5725.

My name is Dave Pagano. I am so excited for the opportunity to mentor fathers like me. I am fifty-six years old, have five children, and I still talk with my dad and other men several times a week. I would like to give that same opportunity to other fathers.

I believe I am a natural fit for being a mentor to men and fathers. I have worked with faith-based men’s recovery programs for the past twenty years. And because of my experience with raising my children and staying family focused, I had to learned to persevere through many challenges and adversities. I have learned it is only possible with the help from other men (fathers) and God.

For more information on our Family Mentor Program please call: Gardiner McDowell at 239-707-8902 for our Dads Coaching Dads Mentor Program or Neffeteria Williams for our Moms Mentor Program at 239-412-5725.

Hello, my name is Tracy, and I am native of Michigan. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Management. I have been in the health care field since I was 18 years old and currently work part time at Florida Gulf Coast ENT as a Physician Liaison. I am happily married and have 5 children along with 3 grandchildren (all reside in MI).

I am very excited to become a mentor because I really enjoy working with people and this is a great opportunity to share my knowledge and experiences with others in need.

For more information on our Family Mentor Program please call: Gardiner McDowell at 239-707-8902 for our Dads Coaching Dads Mentor Program or Neffeteria Williams for our Moms Mentor Program at 239-412-5725.