Mentor for good.

Mentoring helps strengthen our communities today in order to make them even stronger tomorrow.

In June 2020, State Farm began working with Leap Year. The Atlanta-based nonprofit is dedicated to improving literacy and college enrollment in metro-Atlanta. A mentorship program is part of that relationship.

It connects members of our Young Business Professionals (YBP) employee resource group with area youth. They help with everything from improving test scores, giving career advice and providing valuable insight. The sessions help the teens further their education and determine their future goals.

“It’s fulfilling to know that I get the opportunity to be a positive impact on someone else's life,” said YBP mentor Glenn Gaston.

The relationships are a two-way street.

“If you're interested in being a mentor, whether it's with Leap Year or in your community in whatever way, do it,” said Brandie Bryant, YBP mentor.

“Everyone has something they can offer and instill into someone else, and you learn that it makes you a better person too.”

Mentoring is a great way to extend the good neighbor spirit all year long. Our Good Neighbor Day Toolkit suggests other ways you can share your time, talents and treasure to make a difference and be a part of 100 for Good.

She was an Underwriting Service Assistant at State Farm^® and while she enjoyed her job, she had her eye on another position. She applied, but didn’t get it.

Kiwanis Jones

“I was pretty upset about it,” she remembered. “I wanted to figure out what I needed to do to get that job the next time around, but I didn’t know how to go about it. I felt like I needed someone to talk to.”

She needed somebody to help navigate her way around the organization, somebody to give advice, somebody to answer questions and sound ideas off of.

“What I needed,” Kiwanis said, “was a mentor.”

Getting Connected with Mrs. Pat

Giving advice, paying it forward and being a good neighbor are what mentoring (and State Farm!) is all about. State Farm places a lot of importance on mentorship and provides employees plenty of opportunities to connect and learn from each other.

Kiwanis got on the Mentor/Mentee Matching Tool, one of many services offered by State Farm that helps connect people who want to learn with people who want to share what they’ve learned. She signed up, and that’s how she met Mrs. Pat.

Pat Goodwin-Taylor

“Mrs. Pat” is Pat Goodwin-Taylor, an Administrative Services Manager. She’s been all over State Farm over the course of her 32-year career, including stops in Claims, Purchasing, Creative Services, Public Affairs and Underwriting.

“I’ve learned a lot being here, and if there’s anything I can share that can help somebody get to where they want to be, I’m going to,” Pat said.

When she first met with Pat, Kiwanis shared her disappointment about not getting the job she wanted. Instead of just providing encouraging words and interviewing tips, Pat started asking questions of her own.

“I wanted to know where she wanted to be,” said Pat. “Not just here at State Farm, but in life.

“You’ve got to know where you want to be before you think about how you’re going to get there.”

Things are What You Make of Them

Through their conversations, Pat shared some of the knowledge she’s picked up over the years, but it became clear early on that this relationship wasn’t just a one-way street.

“She pushes me,” said Kiwanis. “She said, ‘If you want me to mentor you, you’re going to have to do some work.’”

And do some work she did.

Through Pat’s encouragement, Kiwanis signed up for some classes offered through Degreed, an online educational platform offered to all State Farm employees. Kiwanis is currently taking insurance designation courses that will help increase her business acumen. She’s also taking some college courses and hopes to get her degree.

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do and thanks to Pat, I’m on my way to doing it.”

A Virtuous Cycle

Pat says her love of mentoring started when she got some good advice early on in her career from one of her mentors.

“I had a job offer that I wasn’t too excited about. My mentor at the time sat me down and told me why this was a good opportunity and how by taking this role, I’d be putting myself in a great position going forward.” Pat ended up loving her new role and credits her mentor for helping her out early on. “That advice really set me on a great path, so when I got the opportunity to do the same for somebody else, I jumped on it.”

John Quimby

Being a mentor isn’t something Pat takes lightly, and neither does John Quimby. John’s a Property Claims manager who’s been both mentor and mentee over his 30-year career.

“I’ve been on both sides of it,” John said. “And I’ve gotten just as much out of giving advice as I have getting advice.”

John says mentoring people is one of the most rewarding things he does in his professional life. “Don’t get me wrong, I love a good email and conference call as much as the next guy,” John joked. “But if you can actually help somebody with their career? That’s huge.”

Mentoring is such an important part of the culture, State Farm even offers courses on how to be a good mentor. “We’re excited to spotlight some learning resources to help,” said Learning Director Michael Gardner.

“We know that learning through others is among the most effective ways to build new skills – and mentoring is itself a skill that takes some practice to do well,” Michael said. “The beauty of mentoring is that it’s a virtuous cycle that builds skills and grows relationships for everyone involved.”

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Kiwanis Jones

Kiwanis Jones was upset.

She was an Underwriting Service Assistant at State Farm^® and while she enjoyed her job, she had her eye on another position. She applied, but didn’t get it.

“I was pretty upset about it,” she remembered. “I wanted to figure out what I needed to do to get that job the next time around, but I didn’t know how to go about it. I felt like I needed someone to talk to.”

She needed somebody to help navigate her way around the organization, somebody to give advice, somebody to answer questions and sound ideas off of.

“What I needed,” Kiwanis said, “was a mentor.”

Getting connected with Mrs. Pat

Giving advice, paying it forward and being a good neighbor are what mentoring (and State Farm!) is all about. State Farm places a lot of importance on mentorship and provides employees plenty of opportunities to connect and learn from each other.

Kiwanis got on the Mentor/Mentee Matching Tool, one of many services offered by State Farm that helps connect people who want to learn with people who want to share what they’ve learned. She signed up, and that’s how she met Mrs. Pat.

Pat Goodwin-Taylor

“Mrs. Pat” is Pat Goodwin-Taylor, an Administrative Services Manager. She’s been all over State Farm over the course of her 32-year career, including stops in Claims, Purchasing, Creative Services, Public Affairs and Underwriting.

“I’ve learned a lot being here, and if there’s anything I can share that can help somebody get to where they want to be, I’m going to,” Pat said.

When she first met with Pat, Kiwanis shared her disappointment about not getting the job she wanted. Instead of just providing encouraging words and interviewing tips, Pat started asking questions of her own.

“I wanted to know where she wanted to be,” said Pat. “Not just here at State Farm, but in life.

“You’ve got to know where you want to be before you think about how you’re going to get there.”

Things are What You Make of Them

Through their conversations, Pat shared some of the knowledge she’s picked up over the years, but it became clear early on that this relationship wasn’t just a one-way street.

“She pushes me,” said Kiwanis. “She said, ‘If you want me to mentor you, you’re going to have to do some work.’”

And do some work she did.

Through Pat’s encouragement, Kiwanis signed up for some classes offered through Degreed, an online educational platform offered to all State Farm employees. Kiwanis is currently taking insurance designation courses that will help increase her business acumen. She’s also taking some college courses and hopes to get her degree.

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do and thanks to Pat, I’m on my way to doing it.”

A Virtuous Cycle

Pat says her love of mentoring started when she got some good advice early on in her career from one of her mentors.

“I had a job offer that I wasn’t too excited about. My mentor at the time sat me down and told me why this was a good opportunity and how by taking this role, I’d be putting myself in a great position going forward.” Pat ended up loving her new role and credits her mentor for helping her out early on. “That advice really set me on a great path, so when I got the opportunity to do the same for somebody else, I jumped on it.”

John Quimby

Being a mentor isn’t something Pat takes lightly, and neither does John Quimby. John’s a Property Claims manager who’s been both mentor and mentee over his 30-year career.

“I’ve been on both sides of it,” John said. “And I’ve gotten just as much out of giving advice as I have getting advice.”

John says mentoring people is one of the most rewarding things he does in his professional life. “Don’t get me wrong, I love a good email and conference call as much as the next guy,” John joked. “But if you can actually help somebody with their career? That’s huge.”

Mentoring is such an important part of the culture, State Farm even offers courses on how to be a good mentor. “We’re excited to spotlight some learning resources to help,” said Learning Director Michael Gardner.

“We know that learning through others is among the most effective ways to build new skills – and mentoring is itself a skill that takes some practice to do well,” Michael said. “The beauty of mentoring is that it’s a virtuous cycle that builds skills and grows relationships for everyone involved.”

More About Mentorship

Mentoring is…

• A professional relationship where an experienced person assists another in developing specific skills and knowledge to enhance personal and professional growth.
• Intended to support and encourage people to manage their own development to maximize their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance and become the person they want to be.

How Mentoring can support your development?

• Mentoring gives you a fresh perspective that can be a growth experience for both a mentor and mentee.
• Mentors and mentees make great sounding boards for one another.
• A mentor both supports and challenges a mentee to be their best.
• A mentor can open up or help find new opportunities for the mentee.

For DeWayne Griffin, that person was his next-door neighbor. In fifth grade, he moved next to the Brindzas. These neighbors, especially Mrs. Brindza who was an English teacher, had a huge impact on his life.

The teacher inspired a lifetime love of reading and learning and actually gave him his first car. It seems DeWayne was destined to be inspired by Mrs. Brindza. If he had never moved, she would have been his English teacher at his old school.

"Mrs. Brindza was a huge role model for me. Though, no doubt, my mom was my number one role model," DeWayne shared.

For Becky Leach, the mentor she was destined to meet was DeWayne.

Becky first met DeWayne at a high school long jump pit. Even though he coached a different school, DeWayne went out of his way to help Becky get a better distance.

Their paths continued to cross. Becky studied Information Systems and became an intern at State Farm where DeWayne is a tech exec. He became her formal mentor.

“He always pushed me to be authentic and empathetic and bring my best self to whatever I did,” Becky said.

She took a full-time job with State Farm. Eventually, as destiny would have it, both she and DeWayne ended up at the company’s Atlanta Hub.

“Throughout my State Farm career, I had great roles, teams and role models,” Becky shared. “But, I came to realize in this city with so much opportunity, I only knew State Farm.”

When she made the decision to accept a tech role at another company, she wanted to tell her long-time mentor, in person.

“He was so supportive and encouraging, like always. He did say he hopes my path brings me back to State Farm one day,” Becky said. “I was nervous going into the meeting, but DeWayne helped me leave confident.”

DeWayne understands the importance of mentorship, encouragement and support. He is where he is today because of others, like Mrs. Brindza, who guided him. He believes it’s something leaders should do “no matter what.”

This servant leader philosophy is one of the many reasons Women in Technology (WIT) chose DeWayne – a man - to receive the first ever Build Her Up Award.

The Atlanta organization empowers women and girls to take charge of their science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) careers from the schoolroom to the boardroom. WIT hosts an annual awards gala celebrating female visionaries in the tech space.

“I’ve had a lot of leaders in my life. When I heard about this award, he was literally the first person who came to mind,” said Becky, a WIT member. “I can think of 100 reasons why he deserves it. Even though I’m no longer at State Farm, DeWayne continues to help me, and so many others, with our careers.”

DeWayne hopes the people he mentors will continue to pay it forward for the next generation. As destiny would have it, that generation includes his 14-year-old daughter. She’s interested in a STEAM career.

Saying yes to a family match through their local Big Brothers Big Sisters program, Al and Melanie turned caring into doing and changed many lives. In big ways.

And even half a decade later the relationship is going strong. Jacob comes over to their house on a Saturday or Sunday nearly every weekend. Now 12, Jacob “is a pretty awesome young man — polite, thankful, and never asking for anything. He blends in well with our family,” according to Al.

During Jacob’s visits, they do a variety of activities. Now that he’s in seventh grade, helping him with schoolwork is a focus area.

Al and Melanie have been helping Jacob develop more comprehensive thinking skills. “In the beginning,” Melanie says, “I sat down and read each question with him. It wasn’t that Jacob didn’t know the answer, but more that he didn’t know how to structure the answer.”

And homework time has become a family affair. Al and Melanie’s two older daughters, Izzy and Allie, help Jacob with homework too. “It’s good for the girls to teach someone,” says Al. “Which is when you learn how well you know something.” Aside from homework, they all spend time reading each weekend.

The Schellings aren’t only in this for the near term. They expect to see Jacob graduate from high school and are in it for the long haul. As contacts for Jacob’s teachers, Al and Melanie are able to track his academic and social progress.

But it’s not all about homework. Al and Melanie encouraged Jacob to get involved in a youth basketball program, which adds balance. Jacob is included in family vacations and even family pictures. Al and Melanie’s three daughters love him like a brother.

Recently, the Schellings were planning a movie outing. Their 11-year-old daughter’s first question was, “Is Jacob coming too?”. She didn’t want to go with her parents, but if her ‘brother’ was going, she would too.

Mentoring relationships take on many forms, and this relationship benefits everyone involved. In addition to Jacob’s adoptive mom, the family match program introduced Jacob to other adult role models who care about him and are committed to his success. And Al and Melanie indicate an unbelievable change in their lives.

Melanie says, “Our relationship with Jacob has helped us open up more to what kids want and need.” Al adds, “Jacob has never asked us for anything; he just wants to hang out.

“Helping kids has become quite normal for us. We are quite blessed to be able to effectively operate our agencies while taking time out to make a difference.”

“It’s amazing that we can have a successful business while following our passion,” Melanie comments. “We want others to get involved like we are. The commitment can be as little as 10 hours per month, but can have a monumental impact on a kid’s life.”

To find mentoring opportunities in your area, visit NeighborhoodofGood.com^® and search under local ‘Children & Youth Education’.

Other ways to get involved mentoring youth:

• Tutor a student
• Participate in class/group programs (e.g. Junior Achievement, coach an after school activity)
• Serve as a foster parent
• Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to advocate in court for underserved children

Meet Pam Sandlin, San’s soon-to-be older and wiser friend. “I didn’t know what to expect,” Pam smiled. “Was I nervous? Yes.    But I couldn’t wait to meet her.”

Little did Pam or San know, their after school introduction would be the start of an incredible story…

…one that began after each decided to join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee.

Flashback to 2009:

“The organization did a great job matching us,” said Pam. “Early in the relationship, we discovered we had lots in common. We’re both taller than average, love basketball, we’re close to our grandmothers, and love our families.” 

Pam learned about Big Brothers Big Sisters through her employer, State Farm.

“I was an empty nester looking for a meaningful way to give back to my community. When State Farm shared the opportunity to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), it was perfect. I love children and thought, ‘this is my chance to be a Big Sister!’”

During their first encounter at San’s elementary school, the pair instantly clicked. Soon, they were meeting every week to laugh, joke, share stories and dreams. “I always looked forward to seeing Pam because I knew we’d have a great time,” said San. “We’d go to the movies, eat at restaurants, watch basketball games – and we even went whitewater rafting! She makes life a happy adventure.”

A Friendship in Full Bloom

San says Pam saw her strengths and encouraged her to be the best person she could be. “My favorite memory is a special camping trip we took together. The theme of the weekend was, Face your Fears. I have a fear of heights. But Pam made sure I didn’t miss out on the fun. With her encouragement, I finished an obstacle course, climbed mountains, walked a tight rope and even zip-lined! Pam is my rock.”

But the Big Sister encouragement didn’t stop there.

“In addition to our fun, I often talked to San about her future,” said Pam. “Wherever we’d go, we’d strike up conversations about the careers of people we came in contact with. I reminded her how important a high school diploma is - and we talked about college a lot.”

A New Journey

As the years passed, Pam watched San grow from an introverted fourth-grader into a confident, strong young woman. Elementary school came and went, then junior high, then the final years of high school arrived.

“Pam toured colleges with my mother and me,” said San. “My favorite journey was our three-day trip to Louisiana State University. It was the longest amount of time we’d spent together and we grew even closer.” 

In May of 2017, San graduated high school. Pam was there to celebrate her success. “Oh my goodness, I’m so proud of her,” said Pam. “She’s such a mature young lady and a leader among her peers. She told me about times when things got tough in school, yet she was the source of comfort for other students. They considered her honest and trustworthy.”

In the fall of 2017 San began her freshman year at Volunteer State Community College, with plans to pursue a career in psychology. “I always wanted to help people the way Pam has helped me,” San explained. “In sixth grade I received high marks on a career test and since then have always wanted to be a doctor, nurse or psychologist.”

While Pam and San’s formal mentoring ended when San graduated high school, their relationship has not stopped. “I’ve enjoyed watching her grow, excel and flourish,” said Pam. "She’s really a strong young woman and I want to continue helping her in any way I can. I’m so grateful to have Pam in my life. She’s encouraged me in whatever I wanted to do and has always been there for me.”

More than friends…

“After almost a decade of friendship, we’re sisters at heart,” smiled San. “We plan to remain in each other’s lives forever,” said Pam.

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, or to become a volunteer, click here.

Until then, life ran smoothly for the Phillips family. Their children excelled in school. They were healthy. There was no shortage of food, warmth and love under their roof.

"Then one day, everything changed," said Phillips.

With their two income household now down to one, the family finances began to dwindle. "Mark began rehabilitation therapy - and we have five children to raise," said Phillips. "I did everything I could to keep this household running. I rationed, cut coupons, shopped at thrift stores. Failure was not an option."

But fatigue was.

Frustration, exhaustion, and feelings of hopelessness swept over the Phillips family. They wanted their world to be normal. They wanted their children to thrive. As their worries deepened...a different surprise came along...“This time it was a good surprise,” smiled Stephanie. “We met the Promise Council.”

The Promise Council is a network of caring adults who assist children and families in central Illinois schools. Volunteers donate their time, talents and resources to ensure families have basic essentials like food, clothing and shelter.

“The Promise Council is positioned to meet the unique needs of students,” said volunteer Garry Hendricks. “If a child needs a    winter coat and hat, the Promise Council provides it. If they need a mattress to sleep on, we’ll get one to the family. If there’s a shortage of food for the weekend, – we’ll send them home with a backpack of healthy items.”

“There are so many needs in front of us – it’s eye opening,” added Promise Council volunteer Reg Washington. “We help with clothing, hotel vouchers, transportation – we even purchased a small refrigerator for a family after learning they’d been filling a sink with ice to keep milk cold for their children. At the time, that’s the only solution they had.”

Both Washington and Hendricks have been Promise Council volunteers for nearly a decade. By day they work at State Farm^®. By night they join forces with caring adults across their central Illinois community to help students and families thrive. “Parents and children should not have to face this kind of worry,” said Hendricks. “The Promise Council assists so parents can focus on getting ahead and students can focus on learning.”

A light at the end of the tunnel

As for the Phillips family, the Promise Council gave Stephanie and Mark gas cards to fill up their van. Their children also received food, clothing, classroom supplies and after-school mentoring.

“The generosity helped us immensely,” said Stephanie. “With the gas cards, we could get to doctor appointments, run errands and I could go to work. The clothing and food also eased our strained budget. We started to breathe easier.”

As the weeks went by, Mark began to heal. The kids made honor roll.

As for Stephanie?

“I became a recess supervisor at the school,” she smiled. “It was my second job, and a way to support the place that gave us so much.”

Today, the Phillips family has made it their mission to give back to the Promise Council. They donate food, clothing and are involved in school activities.

“We want to pay it forward to the Promise Council so it can continue lifting families up,” said Stephanie. “Mark and I tell our kids, no matter what obstacles you face…never give up.”

For this family, the spirit of giving is a lifelong promise.

“And we plan to keep that promise,” said Stephanie.

Nestled away in a modest Fort Worth, TX neighborhood is the Northside Inner Community Agency (NICA). In an office filled with books and collected materials from her 16+ years as executive director, sits Connie Nahoolewa.

Connie and her staff help area parents obtain essentials, like food, fellowship and household items. Her vision and passion now also extends NICA’s mission to children. It’s helping meet their educational needs and goals. She describes the work as strengthening the community through hand-ups, not handouts.

“It’s wonderful we have the food pantry (and emergency services). Our clients and I am grateful for that,” Connie explains.

“But what the parents really wanted was a program to better their children’s chances. They know education is key. They wanted help for their children - for them to be able to graduate from high school and have access to college,” Connie recalls.

Program Creation

Knowing the agency couldn’t pay for schooling, Connie and her team created Circle of Winners.

“We pay students to help after school and during the summer. Their earnings go into a bank account that can only be used for college,” Connie explains. “They make a little money, and also get help understanding and navigating college admissions. The premise is to help the kids so they can get better jobs and not have to ask for help like their parents.”

Role Models

To earn money for college, older students help younger kids at NICA. They work with them on activities, games and crafts and outside sports; anything to encourage the young ones' desire to succeed.

Johuin Contreras is the Circle of Winners Education Coordinator. “I see how Circle of Winners students become role models. It enlightens the younger kids.”

The student-mentors and staff mirror Connie’s enthusiasm. Sierra McCarthy is a student from the University of Texas Arlington. She caught Connie’s contagious enthusiasm while working as a Circle of Winners intern and now helps lead the program.

Sierra says the kids are shy at first, but then open up. “We talk about college and they light up. I now see willingness and eagerness to go to college from high school, which is the program goal.”

Student Success

The neighborhood around NICA boasts a dropout rate of almost 50%. However, 100% of students involved in Circle of Winners graduated high school. Other impressive statistics demonstrate college and trade school success. But perhaps most rewarding is when kids return to volunteer and giveback.

“They inspire me,” Fort Worth State Farm Agent and NICA Board Member Jerry Bristow says. “They’re so passionate about what they do.”

Cesar Garcia, 14, and Erica Gonzalez, 16, are two of NICA’s current success stories. Both are college hopefuls and have benefited from the learning and one-on-one assistance. They now give back by mentoring younger children.

“It’s those mountain top experiences you have in life,” Connie says. “When the young people come back and thank you, it just melts your heart.”

You see a glow coming from your teen’s bedroom... Do you know what website they are visiting?

Your 5^th-grader won’t put down his smartphone... Do you know what videos they are watching?

Kids are increasingly living their lives online. They see it as a fun way to connect with friends and be entertained. They often don’t realize online risks, increasing concerns over safety.

To identify and address online child safety issues, Wheeling Jesuit University (WJU) established the Coalition for Youth Safety (CYS), in August 2013.

CYS educates WJU criminal justice students to become child and community safety advocates. Developed by WJU Social Science professor Dr. Larry Driscoll, the program receives grant funding from State Farm.

Local law enforcement and safety experts guest lecture. Students attend classes and conduct research. They become "mini-experts" in one of three areas: internet safety, bullying and social media. They present findings to middle school students in Ohio, Brooke and Marshall Counties in West Virginia.

“Younger students need this important information, because they are more vulnerable,” Dr. Driscoll explains. “We discovered it’s not uncommon for first and second grade students to have access to mobile devices. It is crucial we start educating early so they know the dangers of cyber bullying and using the internet.”

Peer Instruction Most Effective 

Research shows elementary and middle school students relate better to younger adults – someone who speaks the same language.

“The closer in age mentors are to the students they’re mentoring, the better the results. That is why it was so important to make peer interaction a component of the CYS program,” Dr. Driscoll shared.

“Being a mentor in this program has been doubly rewarding,” said WJU student Kaitlyn Conner. “This program has allowed me to vastly improve my public speaking and communication skills. As a result of the different school visits, I am considering teaching as a possible career. I enjoy being able to help the community and interacting with the kids.”

Driscoll and his students are gathering and analyzing results from the program. They expect to see social media usage trending upward for younger and younger students. They also hope to see a downward trend in online abuse, bullying and talking to strangers.

“We still have a lot of work to do,” Dr. Driscoll says. “There is a definite need for this program. The elementary and middle school teachers continue to ask when we are coming back.”

Here are nine things CYS promotes. Parents are encouraged to reinforce this information to boost online safety:​

Kalisa Robinson wants to give her children every chance to succeed. She enrolled her oldest in mentoring programs provided by the 100 Black Men of Atlanta (100 BMATL) starting in 3^rd grade.

Now her son, Kwesi Murphy, will graduate from Carver Early College in May and is deciding the next step in his future. In addition, Kalisa has earned her business administration degree from Georgia State and is planning to open her own interior design business.

They are both benefitting from Project Success. The 100 BMATL mentoring program considers the entire family. It is helping them navigate the post-secondary process.

“The 100 Black Men of Atlanta’s Project Success stepped in to help us both,” Kalisa said. “We are very thankful.”

Kwesi explains the mission of Project Success is to get students to college and make sure they are successful when they get there. He feels the program has done just that for him.

“Project Success has had a major impact on my life. Being in the program has enabled me to enhance my test taking skills, academic skills, and other personal skills,” Kwesi said.

A Foundation for Success

Project Success identifies students at-risk of dropping out or living in low socio-economic or single parent homes. It helps participants develop a productive outlook for the future and boosts high school graduation and post-secondary enrollment rates. It offers a variety of after-school and weekend opportunities for students to improve academically and socially.

Recognizing the need to educate the whole child, the 100 BMATL also assists parents of Project Success students. Programs on purchasing a home, financial literacy seminars, and continuing education counseling services are just some of the opportunities provided.

“I was encouraging Kwesi to take advantage of his options, when I realized I needed to take advantage of my options as well. Project Success helped me embrace what fulfills my life - the arts,” Kalisa shared. “I went back to college, maintained a 3.5 GPA, earned my degree and am now pursuing my passion.”

A Community of Role Models

The 100 BMATL marshals the resources, talents and commitment of Atlanta citizens to serve as role models, mentors, and advisors to program participants.

“I choose to be involved with Project Success because students appreciate hearing from the business community,” said State Farm Agent Cedric Taylor. “They always ask excellent questions. They are especially interested in how to apply classroom knowledge to real life situations.”

Kalisa feels positive messages shared by role models and mentors, like those from the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, are very important in helping youth succeed.

“I have made it a priority to expose my children to as many opportunities as possible. They need to know there is an accessible world beyond their horizons.

The mother and son have a mutual admiration. “My mom told me that I was her inspiration for going back to school,” Kwesi said. “I’m happy she decided to go back and reestablish herself.

Kalisa concludes, “It was a challenge going back to school. But demonstrating hard work and dedication will help us all find success.”