Total Action for Progress’ Alleghany Highlands Youth Mentoring Program held a Mentor Appreciation Banquet, Saturday, at Fyvie Farm in Covington.
Keisha Jordan, Youth Mentor Coordinator, opened the program with a welcome and introduction of staff and the Alleghany Board of Commissioners. Many of the staff members and commissioners were present but Willie, the Emotional Support Dog, was not. However, he was recognized for the good job he does.
After the blessing of meal by Minister Cornelius “Corny” Ray, Covington Caterers served the meal. Angie Campbell, Former TAP’s Alleghany Board of Commissioner President gave an overview of the program and talked about the constant growth and additions to the program. She talked about the passion and compassion that Jordan bought into the program from the moment they hired her. “Youth are the future of our program and our world,” said Campbell. “And, if we do not lift them, support them, love them, and guide them, then we fall short,” added Campbell. She closed by congratulating Jordan for all that she is doing and all that she is going to do.
Rev. Stephanie Clark, 2nd Chance Case Manager, followed with the Mentor Appreciation Message. She began by sharing her experiences with the program when she was hired by TAP at 14-years old, as part of the Summer Youth Program. “The experience that the mentor brings is something that you cannot buy,” said Clark. She talked about celebrities with mentors and some of her own, to demonstrate the important role mentors play in a person’s life. She closed by saying, “you are called to advise and to teach; to encourage and uplift; to speak life and truth; to bring joy; and to see the good.”
“They use their own money. They use their own time. They do the mentoring from the kindness of their hearts,” said Jordan before recognizing some of the mentors with plaques. Keith Moore shared a personal story as he received his plaque. “There are only two people in this world,” said Moore. “People who need help, then there are people you get help from,” added Moore. “If you are not getting help from someone then you need to be helping someone,” he said in conclusion. Trina Edwards, Renee Jones, and Leo Mulcahy were also recognized.
