Helping young people be kids again through mentorship
Stevens joined Youth Villages three-and-a-half years ago as a teacher. Already deeply involved in her students’ day-to-day lives and learning, she wanted to do even more. In 2023, she became a mentor with Youth Villages’ Chris Crye Mentoring Program and was matched with one of her former students.
“We had a great rapport when I taught her, and we picked up right where we left off,” Stevens said.
Stevens focuses on exposing young people to experiences they might not otherwise have.
Her former mentee, Anna, participated in the Youth Villages IKENGA performance team, which showcases youth who excel in the organization’s therapeutic drumming program. The group performs in the community while developing confidence and leadership skills.
When a local library offered a percussion drumming class, Stevens brought Anna along.
“It was a different type of drum from the one she usually plays, and she loved it,” Stevens said.
They also visited museums, went out to eat and attended church together, where Anna later joined the youth group.
“There were unique opportunities within our youth group,” Stevens said. “Anna learned how to cook, jar [homemade] pickles and even helped orchestrate the church’s annual easter egg hunt.”
Stevens says Anna fit in easily.
Her most recent mentee is a young boy named James, yet Stevens’ impact extends beyond mentoring.
For birthdays and when students complete care at Youth Villages, she asks them what they want. Requests have ranged from a Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme candy bar to a weighted blanket.
“I always celebrate them because that’s what any parent would do for their child,” Stevens said. “It’s important to celebrate their milestones.”
When asked why she does this work, Stevens said her motivation is simple.
“I’m just a big kid at heart who wants my kids to experience things other children do,” she said.
They’re just kids, and many of them are upset that they didn’t get the chance to be kids. So, as a mentor, it’s our job to show them they can relax and try new experiences.
Stevens says she stays connected to the interests of her teenage students by reading the same books, watching the same movies and listening to the same music.
For anyone considering becoming a mentor, Stevens offers this advice.
“They’re just kids, and many of them are upset that they didn’t get the chance to be kids,” Stevens said. “So, as a mentor, it’s our job to show them they can relax and try new experiences.”
Interested in becoming a mentor? Visit youthvillages.org/mentoring.
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