After spending my working years in the health care field helping others improve the quality of their health and hence their lives, I needed an avenue to continue helping others. What better way than to seek out organizations that support families that are the cornerstone of our communities.

Several years ago, Nadereh Salim, CEO of The Children’s Network, presented the mentoring program at Cypress Lake Methodist Church one Sunday morning. I was intrigued about this opportunity to give back and joined the program to mentor.

Recently, with the help of Leslie O’Halloran and Pat O’Connor-Benson, we recruited 12 mentors by hosting another church program.

I enjoy mentoring through the family mentoring program as it helps provide my life experiences to encourage others to keep plugging away regardless of their circumstances to reach their family goals.

The benefit I receive is knowing we have made a difference and have done the work needed to help the child remain in their home. That’s the ultimate reward.

Lastly, I would definitely recommend this program for anyone wanting to give back and experience a life changing moment by putting yourself out there by helping others.

“What counts in life is not the mere fact we have lived. It is what difference we have made in the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” Nelson Mandela