Helping Others, Helping Herself:
mentor Renee Silas' story
"I look at myself as I am now and see a work in progress. I am no longer stagnant, waiting for change. I am embracing life and making it what I want it to be. In my mind, I can see when I began to move. It was 19 months ago, when I became involved with a program called Steps Ahead at Community for Youth as a mentor. My participation in CfY has allowed me to see, unlock, open and finally walk through a door. I was blind to this door, hidden behind my insecurities and fears. I have finally overcome that which I had been both blind to and at the same time frightened of for most of my adult life.

In the first training at CfY, I began to see the door of opportunity, and over time I began to move. When I really gained momentum was during the launch course. During one workshop, I found myself sharing with the community. I stood in front of them, and told them that I held fears as well. During an activity shortly after I shared, one student came to me, embraced me and whispered, "You are just like me, I am just like you." My door opened then. My fears and insecurities were left behind in that room.

It was through my time as a mentor, working with the most wonderful and underestimated kids that I truly found myself. In helping them, I was finally able to help myself. I was inspired to complete my BA.

Mentoring for Community for Youth gave me my voice and focused my ideas. As I keep moving, more doors appear, and opportunities present themselves. "There are so many locked doors in the world, and I want to help unlock them."

“It's such a gift to be included in my student's life, having her call just to chat and share what's going on. Her relationships have improved dramatically over the last year with parents, teachers, peers and me.”
- Christie, Mentor

“Recently relocated to Seattle, my mentoring experience with CFY gave me the immediate connection to my new community and provided me with so many new contacts, resources, and friends in such a short time frame. It’s been an amazing experience!”
- Gerardo, Mentor

“I've gained a real sense of appreciation for the strength of these kids, the unbelievable obstacles they have overcome in their lives. These kids want to succeed!”
- Sandy, Mentor