January is National Mentoring Month and we are so thankful for ALL of our faithful mentor volunteers who are the hands and feet of Jesus to our clients every day. We are so happy to spotlight one mentor in particular, Ellen, who has just been volunteering for about 6 months, but as you'll see has become one of our most faithful volunteers and has poured her life into the lives of our clients! Read below for her motivating and encouraging words to anyone looking to volunteer as a mentor.
How
long have you been a mentor to our clients?
I began volunteering in the
clothing room for Hope in June of
2015, and was assigned my first mentoring client shortly thereafter.
Thus, I am a new mentor at Hope.
What
keeps you coming back to Hope Clinic?
Prior to moving to Nashville, I was blessed to have the
opportunity to mentor women, men, and families at a pregnancy care center in
Indiana. It was a true experience of "giving" - even more so of
others giving to me - staff, fellow volunteers, and especially clients, than of
me giving to them. When any of us reach out from a place of vulnerability and
find a listening ear and joyful heart, hope and the ability to see all things
in a new light follow. Hope Clinic is thus, aptly named, and truly a place of
caring, joy, and hope! Having the opportunity to be a part of a ministry
that recognizes, values, and supports the dignity and worth of every beloved
child of God, unconditionally, and helps each to see a future full of hope, has
been an abundant blessing. That is what keeps me coming back to Hope
Clinic!
What
would you say to someone who is considering being a mentor to our clients?
Be not afraid! Often, we associate the word
"mentor" with prerequisite experiences or skills qualifying one to
participate. For someone to mentor at Hope Clinic, what is needed is an open
heart, a listening ear, and a genuine love for each person God puts in your
path. Mentoring at Hope entails walking alongside those who are in
life circumstances that, for a time, are hard to put in perspective. Haven't we
all been there, for one reason or another? As a mentor, you have the
privilege of listening, reflecting back, giving information, suggesting
resources, and walking alongside your clients as they discern their own way
forward. You are not alone! The staff and other volunteers at Hope
are always there to pray, listen, offer suggestions, and support you in your
mentoring. As a friend often tells me, "We are not qualified; we are
called." If you think God might be calling you to mentor at Hope
Clinic, come and check it out! The Hope Clinic staff will answer your
questions, guide your training, and be there for you every step of the way, as
will Our Lord.
What
have you learned about yourself through mentoring?
Perhaps it is said quite often; however, I think it is
definitely true that "We are all in this together" - and how much
lighter the load and wonderful the journey, when we take it up and carry it
side-by-side! Mentoring has helped me to see the beloved child of God in
every person -- including myself, and to trust Him to do His work in all of us
-- the clients, staff, and volunteers at Hope, and all those whose lives we
touch and share.
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| Ellen and her daughter |
