January is National Mentoring Month. The Good Shepherd Services Mentoring Program has existed for over 20 years, housed initially at our 17th St location for young people residing at Marian Hall. Since then, the Mentoring Program has evolved and expanded in its reach, providing one-on-one mentoring and group mentoring throughout our Youth & Family Well Being division. During the last week of National Mentoring Month, we are spotlighting current mentors within the Mentoring Program.
Denise Kelly
Today, we are shining a light on Denise Kelly. Denise Kelly has been a longstanding friend and supporter of Good Shepherd Services. Denise Kelly became the first mentor to onboard with Ameria Alleyne, the Coordinator of Mentoring Services & Resource Development. Ameria was starting in her role after transitioning from a position at 17th St. and Denise was ready, eager, and enthusiastic to become a mentor to a program participant. Denise Kelly is a mother, wife, sister and friend. She has worked in the finance, non-profit and real estate sector for many years. We asked Denise: “Why be a mentor?” Her answer was simple: “To support the mentee’s growth.” Thank you for your selfless contribution as a mentor and volunteer, Denise! For more information about The Mentoring Program, please visit: https://goodshepherds.org/mentoring or e-mail us at mentoring@goodshepherds.org.
Demond Pearson
Today we are shining a light on Demond Pearson. Demond Pearson is no stranger to the Good Shepherd Services community, he has put in over 22 years, and still going, as a GSS staff. Demond has served multiple roles throughout his GSS career. Demond expresses that one of the most important part of his roles over the years is serving young people. When Demond was asked about “Why be a mentor?” he did not hesitate and said, “I love the young people!” Demond is a dedicated father, husband, brother, proud Black man, friend, and mentor. Demond has served as a mentor for many years and continues his mentoring journey by working with a dynamic young person under The Mentoring Program. Demond is selfless, impactful and an extraordinary human being. We thank Demond for being a mentor! For more information about the Mentoring Program email us at mentoring@goodshepherds.org.
Ingrid Mellor
Today we are shining a light on Ingrid Mellor! Ingrid was first introduced through a partnership with Culture for One, Inc to Ameria Alleyne prior to transitioning into her current role as The Coordinator of Mentoring Services & Resource Development. Ingrid became the art therapist at the Shirley Chisholm Youth Reception Center. It was a short-term piloted program. From there, Ameria and Ingrid developed a professional relationship, which than transitioned into a warm bond of respect and admiration for the work. Ingrid was kind, patient, effective, knowledgeable in her work as an art therapist. Ingrid had an approach that created trust among herself and the young people she worked with. Fast forward, due to her impact, Ameria invited Ingrid to return for an extended 10-week art therapy group at Shirley Chisholm YRC. Beyond Ingrid’s kindness and knowledge base, Ameria believed she would make a great mentor once Ameria transitioned into her current role. Ameria invited Ingrid to become a mentor with the Mentoring Program. Ingrid did not hesitate, as she enjoyed connecting with young people at Good Shepherd Services. Ingrid was quickly matched with a strong, artistic, and dynamic youth. Ingrid was instrumental in the building of her mentee’s artistic confidence and assisted her mentee in the creation of her art portfolio for FIT. Her mentee successfully completed the portfolio and was accepted into FIT. Ingrid is a humble yet selfless being that has a spirit of giving. We thank Ingrid for being a wonderful mentor!
Tina Clarke
Today we continue to shine a light on mentors in The Mentoring Program. We are spotlighting Tina Clarke. Tina is a mindful, thoughtful and caring mentor. Tina has been in the financial sector for 9 years but uses her work to connect with all ages to teach and guide them through the power of financial literacy. Tina’s marking on this earth is to empower people, which is extended to her reason for being a mentor—”we all need help, in one form or another and what better way to do so than through mentorship.” We thank Tina for being present. We thank Tina for her honesty. We thank Tina for being a persistent mentor to a mentee that is trying to figure out life and all of its navigation. Thank you, Tina, for being a mentor!
Eric “Spud” Campbell
Today we shine a light on Eric “Spud” Campbell. Upon meeting Eric “Spud,” his compassion, openness and authenticity shined through. Eric became a teaching artist and mentor in a group setting, working with young men in our close to home/NSP, NSD and group home. Eric provided mentorship on music production, engineering and recording. Eric had a way with connecting with the young people organically. Eric moved with mindfulness and a knowing spirit that sparked interest, joy and smiles on the young men’s faces. As the music-based group mentoring concluded, the feedback from staff was positive and made an impact. Eric shifted gears and was matched with a smart, in tuned and vocal young man. Eric’s reason for mentoring is based on a lived experience. He understands the inner thoughts and heart of being a young man of color navigating this world. The Mentoring Program is thankful to have Eric “Spud” Campbell as a mentor, guide and caring adult. We thank Eric for being selfless, generous, authentic, and real! For more information on the work that Eric does check out his website.
Delilah Ramos
On this last day of National Mentoring Month, we shine a light on Delilah Ramos. Delilah is a creative, artist, activist and organizer. Delilah’s reason for becoming a mentor is knowing the impact of having a mentor that is empowering and supportive. Thus, not hesitating to become a mentor. Delilah is a mentor that has shared and lived experience with her mentee. Her connection to young people comes organically and intuitively. Delilah’s compassion for others is a driving force that has created a bond with her mentee that is meaningful and honest. We thank Delilah for her time, presence, heart, smile and spirit! Thank you, Delilah!
“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” – Oprah Winfrey