I have been honored to have been a mentor to a child for the past 8 years in this program. What a pleasant surprise to find that you can learn so much from a child.
Being a mentor consists of spending two very special days with this child. One on one. The first day you will attend a photography workshop given by Linda for the children. The children then work on a list of their hopes and dreams. Afterwards the children are given their own digital camera and you and the child along with their list will come up with a plan to go out and shoot the images they have in mind. Then it’s back to the shelter for a pizza lunch.
A few months later there will be a “Meet the Artist” reception (last year it was held at the Tucson Museum of Art). It will be the first time the children get to see the unveiling of the cards that have been made from one of their hopes or dreams. You will have a chance to purchase cards at that time and afterwards. 100% of the proceeds go back to the Shelter.
It is truly a wonderful thing for a child to open up and talk to you about their hopes and dreams. In the beginning so many hesitate. No one has every asked them what they hope for. This program lets them know that their hopes and dreams are so important and that they matter. And that they should have them! Life time friendships have been made. Full ride scholarships have been given. Confidence and hope has been given. This program makes a difference in a child’s life. Has made one in mine too.
