News

Mentors recognised at Toto

We had a great turnout of 45 Future Leader mentors at our annual celebration dinner on Tuesday 15th November. Hosted by iconic Italian restaurant Toto, we had a fun night and it was great to see so many of our mentors. Thank you to all those who came and for your time and commitment throughout the year to the programme and to your mentee.

Our mentors were treated to a delicious family-style Italian dinner before an inspirational speech from Dr Kim Jewel Elliot. In discussing her motivation to work with young people, Kim drew on her personal experiences growing up in a family where drug abuse and deprivation were present.  Kim reminded the mentors that they are doing the one thing that youth workers can't - "you are not another short-term intervention. Being a mentor is about sustaining a long term positive relationship "  

Sina Moore, our newly elected President of the YWCA Auckland, is also a Future Leaders mentor.  She agrees with Kim that it is not about having huge amounts of time over a brief period. "If you have time for a cup of coffee once a month and touch-base by phone or email once a fortnight you can make a huge difference to a young woman" she says.

The YWCA needs more mentors for 2012. If you want to make a meaningful difference to a young Auckland woman or you know someone who would be ideal as a mentor then don't think " I wonder if…?". Get in touch with Marnie…. (09) 375 7247 or marnie@akywca.org.nz

See photos here