Success Stories

Joey is a 13-year old eighth grade boy. He loves video games, opera and military aircraft air shows. Joey describes himself as a thoughtful and intelligent young man with a great sense of humor. If you ask Joey what is most important in his life he will tell you his family and his pets, a tarantula named “Zeike” and a cat named “Tosca”.

Joey had to deal with a lot of upheaval and instability during his early school years. Both of his parents survived cancer within a two-year period. During that same time frame his parents divorced, his mother lost her job, they had to move to another location and his grandmother took ill. This caused Joey to be very fearful of changes and to feel that catastrophe was always around the corner. He became terrified of loosing those he loved and anxious about the future. His school grades suffered and he withdrew into himself.

When Joey’s father decided to move to Florida and start another family his mother realized that Joey needed a stable and encouraging male influence in his life. Joey and Brian were matched six months ago. Joey tells us that he and Brian are “having a blast” and that Brian gives him “great advice about girls”. Both of them are single children (no siblings) and thus have developed a wonderful big brother/little brother bond. They have the same ethnic heritage and love amusement park arcades and rides. Brian and Joey have even developed their own “secret code language” when emailing each other! Brian says Joey is “a great and funny kid” and marvels at the conversations they enjoy.

Joey’s Mom says that Brian has made a true difference in Joey’s life by showing him it is OK to relax and “be a kid” and by giving him the reassurance and support that all young teens crave. Joey’s grades have improved and he looks forward with great joy and anticipation to their visits together. Both Joey and Brian have benefited greatly from their mentoring relationship.