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mentoring AWARENESS
midlands mentoring partnership
Peggy has shared her experience with peers, who often come to her for advice. “I love helping people,” Peggy says. “As long as I help one person it’s going to make a difference in the world.” Big Brothers Big Sisters Ceo nichole turgeon says Dakotah and Peggy embody what mentoring’s all about. “They have faced incredible challenges together and Dakotah gave Peggy hope for her future which has allowed her to persevere. I am confident Peggy is on the path to becoming a successful and happy adult and I know Dakotah will be with her every step of the way.” More than sisters in name, Dakotah and Peggy believe they’ve developed an unbreakable lifelong bond. “I have no doubt it’s going to be a sisterhood for the rest of our lives. We’re sisters not by blood but by choice,” says Taylor.
passing it on Taylor encourages anyone wanting to make a positive difference in a youth’s life to become a mentor. Just be prepared to make a deep commitment and enduring connection the way Dakotah did with Peggy. Says Taylor, “Our paths would have never crossed if it wasn’t for Big Brothers Big Sisters. It has changed my life. It’s brought someone into my life I deeply care about. I would do anything for her and she would do anything for me.” Peggy sees herself following Dakotah’s footsteps. “I probably will end up being a Big myself.” She advocates the benefits of mentoring, saying, “There is a match out there for someone, there is.”
mentor of the year dakotah with mentee peggy
Many employers encourage their employees to serve as mentors. Taylor says her employer, First National, supports her volunteering. Mentees like Peggy are the beneficiaries.
someone to turn to Mutual of oMaha anD Mutual of oMaha founDation: aDvoCate of the year Mutual of Omaha is another employer that supports mentoring in Omaha. More than 50 Mutual staffers serve as mentors with seven MMP partner organizations. Among its mentors is Mutual of omaha foundation Program Coordinator kim armstrong. Armstrong mentors two young women, including one through Youth Emergency Services (YES), on whose board Armstrong once served. Much like Dakotah’s relationship with Peggy, Armstrong’s been transformed by the experience of working with her mentees. “At the end of the day, just having someone to turn to is the greatest benefit for them—at least that’s how I see it—and I’m honored to play that role,” Armstrong says of her matches. “Most mentors will say that they benefit more from mentoring than their mentees and I am no different. I have realized unexpected benefits. I feel I have become a better mother, a better employee and a better person.” 4
She says each of her mentees has “played a role in opening my eyes to so much, and for that I am eternally grateful.” Mutual has been a champion of MMP’s efforts since the catalyst organization’s formation in 1999. The insurance giant’s ongoing work as a partner and advocate of Youth Emergency Services and other mentoring providers is being recognized this year at the summit.
going the extra mile MMP executive Director Deborah neary says, “the Advocate of the Year award honors a business or organization committed to helping young people achieve their potential through mentoring.” Christine Johnson, president and Ceo of the Mutual of omaha foundation, says she encourages mentoring in part because “it helps to build a cohesive, motivated, engaged workforce, which we know is shown to increase employee performance and productivity.” metroMAGAZINE • JAN 2014