I had very high hopes for the job corp mentoring program.  We started it to give young adults a foundation to build from. We have had an influx of 18 an 19 year olds at the shelter. Worse yet, it was the families that dropped their kids off. One kid was told by his step dad that he would never amount to anything, and he did not want him anymore. Another was dropped by her foster mom, who said I don’t want you.” ” You are living here.” Both were 18. Both were still in high school.

To me this age group is unique.

Were you ready to be on your own at 18? 21? Seriously? I would have struggled, and I would not be who I am without the continued support of my mom and stepfather. The support of my older brothers and sisters. College? No way. Without that foundation, I would have struggled to the point of failure.

I remember being at the center when our partner Abram was studying with several young people to prep for the Ged test. One of our youngest members was back in high school. She was not living at the center yet. She fell asleep at the table. I was so impressed with her and her efforts that we encouraged her to stay at the center that night, and she stayed for months.

We have had some success. The young man didn’t listen to the words his step dad said. He finished high school while living in the shelter. He had the biggest cheering section at graduation. The young lady went to prom. This fall, she is scheduled to move onto a netter situation where she will learn a real career and finish her education.  And she did all the work needed to get in the program.

We had some sad endings. I cried when we lost anyone. But even in these cases, we hope that we have planted seeds that they can have a better life. And we will be here when they are ready.

I take pride in knowing that some of these kids think of me as their dad. One was working with some visitors when she was asked how she liked being in the program, and she told them she considers me her dad. It touched my heart.

We are not giving up on the program. It is not in me to give up on people, particularly young adults who have not had a fair start. We are exploring ways to make it better. We are trying to refine the expectations for both sides.

We started as a reaction to a need. The need is still there.

We failed at our initial attempt. We learned from it. So perhaps it is not a complete failure.

We will continue moving forward. Because God loves them, and so do I.