Jen and Julia have been matched since June of 2013 through T.E.A.M. (Together Engaging Adolescents through Mentoring), a program of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Boston. Jen is a social worker at Boston Medical Center and lives in South Boston. Jen joined the program in order to connect with the youth in her community. She said that she often sees teenagers just “hanging out” at the park near her apartment and wanted to help youth like them become engaged in positive relationships.
Julia was 12 years old when she joined the program. Julia wanted a mentor to help her learn about life and to show her fun stuff to do in Boston. Living with her mother and older sister, she craved one-on-one attention.
Jen has focused on helping Julia prepare for her future career of choice — becoming a veterinarian. Both have bonded over their shared love of animals. As a match activity, they once took Jen’s pet ferrets for a check up, where Jen encouraged Julia to interview the veterinarian about his career. Jen has worked hard to ensure that Julia will have the tools to be successful in her career path. She helped Julia get a job at a local summer camp and apply for entry into the Boston Community Leadership Academy for the upcoming school year. Jen provides Julia with the support and positive reinforcement that Julia needs to stay on her ambitious path.
With Jen’s guidance and support, Julia is preparing for her first semester at the Boston Community Leadership Academy. Jen and Julia are now discussing different resources in the community that will help Julia be successful at school. Soon, they plan to begin looking at colleges. Because of Jen, Julia has been exposed not only to a possible career but also to the concrete steps she will need to get there.
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