Local Organization and Individual Receive National Honors As Champions of Mentoring for Children and Youth with Disabilities
On March 28th, the National Disability Mentoring Coalition (NDMC) named 30 outstanding organizations and individuals as inductees into the Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame. Among them are Great Life Mentoring (GLM)--a nonprofit organization and evidence-based mental health intervention that utilizes trained community volunteers to improve the mental health conditions of children living in poverty–and Cindy Fritz, GLM’s program manager for 18 years and a mentor.
The Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame was established to honor those making a significant difference in the lives of youth and adults with disabilities through mentoring and to raise awareness about the importance of mentoring for individuals with disabilities. This year, the NDMC recognized mentors and organizations that support mentees' mental health and wellness through the development of coping skills, providing mental illness education and brokering connections to community resources.
The NDMC aims to raise awareness about the importance and impact of mentoring in the lives of people with disabilities and to increase the number and quality of disability mentoring programs around the country.
GLM’s Founder and Executive Director, Elizabeth Higley, has participated in the NDMC since its inception in 2014, and its network now includes over 500 individuals from more than 220 organizations across the country. Together, they are committed to expanding mentoring opportunities for people with disabilities across the nation.
Higley says, “This induction is an honor for Great Life Mentoring; to be named alongside outstanding leaders who dedicate their lives to supporting the human rights of individuals with disabilities. They are impacting individuals and communities in profound ways, and it is humbling to be recognized among them.”
Great Life Mentoring’s Board of Directors is delighted to further announce the Hall of Fame induction of Cindy Fritz for her personal dedication as a Great Life mentor since 2007.
We are excited for Cindy’s induction to the Hall of Fame. As GLM’s Program Manager since 2005, Cindy trains and supports volunteers to be successful in their mentoring experiences. Cindy believes mentoring is vital for kids affected by mental health conditions. She says, “A caring connection with a healthy adult promotes confidence that they are worthy of love and belonging.”
It’s a Great Life Mentoring trademark, at all levels of the organization, to model to the mentors what the organization wants them to model to the children, and Cindy does that with excellence. Higley says of Fritz , “Having been a witness to Cindy’s life for 18 years, I can tell you she is making a tremendous impact with her life. Cindy is consistent and faithful in serving the vulnerable, and those who aren’t being noticed by others. She is kind-hearted, generous and an outstanding mentor to everyone who knows her.”
This week’s inductions celebrate the positive impact that Great Life Mentoring provides to the community. Since 2000, GLM has worked in partnership with mental health organizations in Clark County, WA, and its careful approach has positively impacted over a thousand lives.
GLM is aiming to expand its reach and provide the highest standard of care, stability and emotional competence to children in communities throughout the country. Learn more about how you can be part of this deeply meaningful work at greatlifementoring.com or help support GLM’s expansion with a donation of any amount here.
Cindy Fritz, Program Manager for Great Life Mentoring, volunteer mentor and Hall of Fame Inductee.