Mentoring Day Event at the Oregon Zoo!
Two by two, adult mentors and young people joyfully entered Washington Park on September 9. It was time for Great Life Mentoring’s (GLM) annual group event! This event is an opportunity to give the children positive, meaningful experiences, encouragement and time together as a close-knit organization.
As music and laughter blared from cars, the pairs arrived to receive their parking passes for the day. They walked down the pathway to the Elephant House, enjoying the crisp air and beautiful trees surrounding the venue. They gathered casually with other matches and GLM board members/staff before heading to the Oregon Zoo and various other locations around Washington Park. Matching commemorative t-shirts given away at the event helped everyone recognize each other throughout the afternoon at the Zoo.
In addition to the t-shirts, everyone received boxed lunches (big thank you to the Hazel Dell Jimmy Johns on NE 5th Avenue for the sandwiches), baseball caps, sunglasses and other fun flair. Mentors and youth had their annual match photos taken. With GLM’s average match length being over four years (some of GLM’s pairs have been together for decades), these photos are a fun way to capture memories for the kids and their mentors.
The Board of Directors, which regularly convenes virtually to advance the strategic programs for GLM, had spent months diligently preparing and planning for this year’s group event. They were gleeful as they filled balloons and set up for the day, finally gathering in person. Some board members even traveled across the country to attend.
The Board’s next event to support GLM is a virtual fundraiser on October 10, 2023 celebrating World Mental Health Day. Proceeds will help fund the expansion of this award-winning program that is proven to significantly improve the mental health conditions of children from low-resource families.
Donations can be made anytime through GLM’s website donation page, but if you give on 10/10/23, the Board will be matching donations up to $5,300!
The Board members of this public charity are very enthusiastic about the impact its programs have on its community: GLM improves the lives of children facing adversity. They invite you to join this rewarding experience.
Volunteer in Vancouver WA. Donate here to help fund GLM’s expansion. You’ll be helping serve more kids and increasing equity but providing stability for children who would benefit from structure and consistency. Can’t donate? No problem. Feel free to contact our team and let us know other ways you might be interested in serving.
