Celebrating Community and Belonging: Great Life Mentoring’s Annual Event at Oaks Park
A Day to Remember
Every year, Great Life Mentoring (GLM) hosts what it hopes will be a memorable gathering at a special venue to benefit our youth. This year the annual event was held at Oaks Amusement Park in Portland, Oregon. While it was an atypically warm September day, it didn’t stop mentors and youth from having a wonderful, fun-filled afternoon.
Oaks Park has been a place "where the fun never ends" since 1905 and is among the oldest continually operating amusement parks in America. The park hosts the classic fun of thrill rides, carnival games, arcades and miniature golf.
One mentor laughed when talking about his day “He put me through the wringer with the rides, that’s for sure. There were no lines/wait times so we did almost every ride. My ability to not get sick on rides seems to diminish with each year I age, haha! I’m lucky to have him!” This was their second GLM event at Oaks park together.
If mentors and kids needed a break, board games were available back at the picnic area. And as always, a photographer was onsite to capture memories.
GLM would like to thank Jimmy Johns, the Hazel Dell location, for their generous lunch donation again this year! With plenty of leftovers, youth were able to take home extra sandwiches in GLM lunch bags to share with family members.
From games and rides to food and laughter, Oaks Park was alive with energy and excitement.
Celebrating Mentors and Youth
More than just fun, the day was a celebration of faithful friendships, the strength of our community and resilience of our youth. As we reflect on this year’s event, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible community of mentors, youth, and supporters who make Great Life Mentoring possible. GLM mentors have been a guiding light, offering their time, wisdom, and unwavering support to the youth who have shown remarkable resilience, growth, and potential over the past year.
One mentor and friend made special bracelets and necklaces to wear at this celebration event, which was the girl’s first time to the park and carnival rides.
Another youth remarked that he made new friends with other kids in the program, at the event, and that made it the best part of the day for him.
GLM staff heard from mentors, kids and parents about what a special day and opportunity this celebration of friendship was for them.
The stories of GLM mentoring friendships illustrate the profound difference a mentor can make and the incredible journeys our youth have embarked upon. The friendship they share is uniquely special. You can read these personal stories here, on the GLM Blog.
Looking Ahead
The success of this year’s event, like GLM’s new site in Portland, Oregon, is just the beginning. We are excited about the future and the continued growth of the organization and its people. With the support of GLM’s dedicated mentors and the enthusiasm of its youth, we look forward to many more years of meaningful impact.
Thanks to everyone who joined the fun at Oaks Park and made this event an unforgettable celebration.
Stay tuned for more updates and stories from Great Life Mentoring. Together, we are creating a healthy community one friendship at a time.
