Kathleen & Genesis
Kathleen and Genesis were first matched just before Thanksgiving 2023, and their mentoring journey has blossomed into a powerful bond. Kathleen, who found Friends for Youth while exploring foster parenting, felt drawn to mentoring as a meaningful way to contribute to the community. “I wanted to do something that would help young people become stable, contributing adults,” Kathleen reflects. She believed that mentoring would allow her to support youth in their personal growth and development, making a lasting impact.
Genesis was referred to Friends for Youth after struggling with anxiety both inside and outside of school. She had recently transferred to an alternative school and had difficulty connecting with her peers. One pivotal moment for Kathleen and Genesis came when Genesis almost failed a class because she had trouble completing an essay. Kathleen spent two full days—six hours each—sitting with her to help her write it, offering encouragement and reassurance. “She just needed someone to tell her it was okay and to give her confidence in what she was doing,” Kathleen says. Despite the teacher questioning whether the work had been written using AI, Kathleen advocated for Genesis, explaining that she was her mentor and although she was there to support her through the process, the work was entirely her own.
When they first met, Genesis was shy and reserved, often hiding behind her hoodie and speaking in single-word answers. “It was like pulling teeth to get her to open up,” Kathleen recalls. “Now, we talk regularly, and she texts me all the time.” Kathleen’s patient and non-critical approach—offering choices and understanding—helped Genesis slowly break out of her shell. A powerful moment occurred early in their mentoring relationship when they went out to eat at a restaurant and Genesis felt too anxious to go inside. Instead of pushing her, Kathleen validated her feelings and ordered their food in Spanish—despite not speaking the language—so Genesis wouldn’t feel uncomfortable. “She has order anxiety, so I practice our orders in Spanish during the week to help her feel more confident,” Kathleen explains.
Their outings together have been a significant part of their relationship. They started by playing pool, something Genesis enjoyed on her phone and wanted to try in person. They have also watched movies and grabbed meals together, but as their bond deepened, so have their activities. “Now, we go to the gym regularly, and it’s something we both really enjoy,” says Kathleen. Genesis also recently started her first job, where she’s begun making new friends. One memorable outing involved both Genesis and her younger sister, who also has a mentor through Friends for Youth. The four of them—Kathleen, Genesis, her sister, and her sister's mentor—went bowling together. Kathleen has also connected with the rest of Genesis’ family, including her mother and even their pet guinea pig, Summer. “Her family has been very welcoming, and it’s great to see how close Genesis is with them.”
Looking ahead, Genesis is set to graduate in 2025 and has been exploring a career in cosmetology, taking classes at the Boys and Girls Club. She’s passionate about makeup and nails and is already planning for her future. “She’s anxious about the future, but I remind her that it’s okay to feel that way and that she’s doing amazing.” For Kathleen, being a mentor has been a transformative experience. “I didn’t expect to have the energy for some of the things we do, but mentoring has shown me how capable I am,” she says. She believes that mentoring is essential because it gives young people the validation and support they need to grow into confident, stable adults. “Sometimes, all they need is someone to tell them it’s okay to be themselves.”
The relationship between Kathleen and Genesis is a testament to the power of mentoring. Together, they’ve built a strong, meaningful connection that has helped both of them grow. Through patience, connection, and mutual growth, Kathleen and Genesis’ story is a powerful testament to the impact of mentoring.
“Mentoring can help alleviate anxiety in young people and boost their confidence; it’s universally reassuring to know that it’s okay to be yourself.”