Christine walked down the hall of Rutledge* elementary school when a teacher stopped her.

His mentor taught him to take a deep breath and say, “I am David; I can make this shot.” He stepped in, closer to the basket, to master his form, before moving back out to try the shot again.

I wondered to myself, “Why does she keep looking at me?” Had I spilled coffee on myself? Was I dressed differently than everyone else? I was self-conscious all of a sudden.  

At The Bridge we believe that every kid needs a cheering section.  

Marta handed me a book and gestured to the couch in her foster home: "Would you read this book to me?"

I will always come for you,” the father said to his son. It was part of their morning goodbye ritual. He walked his son to school every day and before he released his hand he would say to him, “Be a good boy, and remember, I love you and I will always come for you.”

I entered the lunchroom and saw Rosa in line to get her food. I waved at her and walked toward her. She proceeded to cover her face with her tray,...

I was in fifth grade when I was called to the principal’s office for the first time. I honestly tried to be a good kid most of the time, but here I was, looking across the principal’s very large desk.

We get to show our kids something more than what each of us has to offer as an individual; we show them what it looks like to belong.

“Man, I’m sorry you’re struggling.”

Mentors are trained to show up, listen, love, and then go home and pray for one student.

“They were picking on my friend so I had to stick up for him,” he told me.  

Beverly said "I don’t think I’ll ever forget the joy and pride on Anthony's face when he gave his mom her gifts."

1. Get below eye level.

2. Use shared experience to build community.

3. Light up!


Xavier’s heart raced as he walked down the empty hallway of his new school. He barely looked right or left. Mostly he looked at the heels of his mentor’s shoes.

“They put us out,” Mom said, gesturing toward the lock on the front door. “All our things are in there. Including my cell phone.”

Trust is difficult. Especially when trust has been broken. And it was shattered for Xavier. 

Please take him with you!,” said Xavier’s* teacher. She was ready for him to go.