Daliylah & Emmy

Meet Daliylah and Emmy.  This match was introduced last Fall and have begun to build their mentoring relationship in so many ways – getting together in-person when it was safe to go to bookstores and the park….and over the Winter staying connected virtually through Facetime, doing arts and crafts projects together and talking about their day, and school, and what they wanted to do when it gets warmer.  They’re excited for Spring, as it means that they can resume meetings and going to park – always something good for the soul, sunshine and fresh air.     

Daliylah’s mom got her and her older sister involved in the program because she had a Big Sister when she was younger and really enjoyed the program.  She wanted Daliylah to have diverse opportunities, experiences and people in her life.  On one of their first outings, they went to Olive Garden where Daliylah really wanted to try calamari, so the pair decided to take the plunge together.  Giving young people the opportunity to try new things, and have those experiences with them, can be so powerful.  Showing them that you can try, and learn new things, as an adult can be so powerful.

Emmy has also supported Daliylah with her reading skills.  Not only have they visited local bookstores, but Daliylah has been able to pick out books she likes, to help instill that love of reading.  When we give kids voice and choice, it goes much further in helping them develop skills and improve.

They’ve been able to make fun and lasting memories together, as well.  For Daliylah, that was seeing a movie together that she’d really wanted to see – and afterwards she could not stop talking about how much fun she had with Emmy on that outing.  And for Emmy, it was a visit they’d made to her house when Daliylah met her cat and roommate for the first time.  She had such a good time and gave hugs all around before leaving.  Creating additional social circles and building the social capital of young people gives them a stronger web of support to learn and grow as they develop.  

This match is just one of many who have figured out how to build their relationship in-person and virtually over the last year.  No small feat.  Congratulations on being our Match of the Month.