For Antwon Boone, becoming a mentor wasn’t part of his plan.

Two years ago, Boone returned to school to earn a degree in psychology. To graduate, he needed experience working with children, so he volunteered.

“My school told me I could volunteer, so I signed up,” he said. “I got connected to mentoring and thought I’d give it a try.”

That decision led him to the Chris Crye Mentoring Program, which matches community mentors with young people in Youth Villages’ residential care.

“He is a ball of fire, but his personality is bubbly,” Boone said. “He’s a real joker.”

The two spend time doing what many teenage boys enjoy. They play cards, eat take-out like burgers, wings or tacos, and enjoy each other’s company.

One of Boone’s favorite memories came on Justin’s birthday.

“I took him [out for] hibachi for his birthday, and when they lit the grill on fire, his face was priceless,” he said.

Apart from the activities, Boone says mentoring is much more than having fun.

Each week, he works with Justin on reading and gives him new vocabulary words to practice. They also journal together and talk about managing emotions, skills Boone hopes Justin will take with him.

“Justin’s confidence has already improved,” Boone said. “I’ve seen firsthand the difference a consistent adult can make because my first mentee was able to step down to a lower level of care.”

Boone says life can get busy, but an hour a week is a small commitment that can lead to major strides for young people.

“You don’t know the impact you can make by just listening and spending time with them,” he said.

Interested in becoming a mentor like Boone? To learn more, please email mentor@youthvillages.org.

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