In 1997, Celia Marquis, Director of the Lopez Island Family Resource Center, received a grant that allowed her to start a community mentoring program.

Fast forward 16 years and the LIFRC Mentor Program is still going strong. Their goal is to recruit even more adult volunteers who would like to become mentors for students on the waitlist.

Over the next few months, they will be giving the community a glimpse into the mentor program by interviewing current mentors, and even some of the students (mentees) who are matched.

They also hope this will encourage some interest and knowledge of the program.

If you are interested in joining, contact Mikah Smith at 468-2201 ext. 2109, or email msmith@lopez.k12.wa.us.

Mentor Q&A: Gretchen Wing

How long have you been in the program?

Two years, matched with the same student the whole time.

What prompted you to join?

I used to be a teacher, and my own kids are in college now. I was missing kids!

From when you first inquired about the program to the time that you were matched, how easy or difficult was the process?

Very easy.

What do you and your mentee have in common?

We’re both very outdoorsy, we love animals, especially dogs and horses, and we love to bake. Dancing and crafts are other areas we share.

Describe a typical day when you see your mentee.

I’ll pick her up after school, and usually have a snack for her as we drive to my house. Then we might take my dogs for a walk, bake something, or work on a craft project like making Christmas decorations. Sometimes we’ll go straight to a beautiful place like Shark Reef or Chadwick Hill and just hang out and talk, or read aloud.

How has being in the program impacted your life?

It has kept me focused on the needs of young people, and also on the lives of families who may not be as fortunate as my own.

Are there any lessons that you have learned by spending time with your mentee?

Not learned, as much as re-learned: always be prepared with food and more activities than you think you might need, but don’t be surprised when something you thought would be dull turns out to be absolutely riveting to your mentee!

Anything else that you would like to share about the experience of being a mentor?

It is important not to judge, if a mentee’s family handles life choices differently than you would. It is also difficult to walk the line between mentor and tutor when you see your mentee struggling in school. I am constantly walking that line.