Ash and Jonathan

Ash and Jonathan met in February 2020 and they hit the ground running as new friends uncovering new information about each other with each meeting.

“Friends For Youth definitely knew what they were doing when they matched up Jonathan and myself as our shared love for sports was a great stepping stone into a deep and personal connection,” says Mentor Ash.

Jonathan had grown up with some stressful family situations and needed help building a support system outside of school. His sister referred him to Friends for Youth after having her own positive experience with her mentor. Ash became a mentor because he was influenced by many great mentors in his own life, and he saw the value of how one person could make a difference in a teenager’s life. 

“I think it's important for everyone to know that they don't have to navigate the world alone, and that much can be gleaned from a mentor/mentee relationship,” says Ash.

Over the past year, Ash and Jonathan have shared duets in the car, basketball games, disc golf challenges, secret handshakes, and much more! Ash says their relationship has blossomed into a meaningful connection where they can not only have fun, but also talk about things that strengthen one another. They found common ground in their faith, which Ash says has helped Jonathan through the challenges he faces in his teenage life. Jonathan loves having someone in his life who will laugh with him and won't judge him as he learns who he is. Ash’s greatest satisfaction in being a mentor comes from bringing a smile to Jonathan’s face.

“I’ve found that Jonathan’s optimism and positivity are infectious and have been such a great light in my life.”

Ash says Jonathan is very talented and would like to hone his acting and singing abilities to hopefully make that a career.