iMentor Blog

Every month, iMentor holds a networking event for its mentors to get together, support each other in the important work that they do and learn more about all of the members of our iMentor community. Last Wednesday, over 60 mentors and iMentor staff members came together at Stone Creek Tavern to celebrate the first semester of the program year and to share some holiday cheer.

A Thank You from iMentor's Director of Volunteers

In my line of work, I look for those moments where I can step back and see how people are really making a difference. Last night was certainly one of those moments. It was so inspiring to hear all of your stories about your mentees, to learn about the efforts you have put into being constructive and to see such earnest dedication to giving back to New York City youth.

Our mentors are having a real impact on our mentees. Especially during these very trying and unpredictable times, our mentors’ efforts have a direct effect on increasing the chances that our mentees will go to college and work towards a secure future.

I sincerely thank you for all of your efforts. The iMentor staff and I feel extremely fortunate to be working with such an impressive group of bright, compassionate and fun-loving mentors!

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday,

Ellen Mahoney

In 2005, iMentor was selected to become a member of The Catalog for Giving. For the last twelve years, The Catalog has highlighted the impact of its member agencies by hosting an annual event to honor the young people that they serve. Mentee, Josephare, accepted the 2008 Urban Hero Award on behalf of iMentor, along with 9 other extraordinary young people who, through tenacity, hard work, and courage, have overcome difficult life challenges to become role models for others in their communities. In accepting the award, Josephare gave a speech to more than 500 attendees, sharing her moving story about immigrating from Haiti and how her mentor, Jalena, and iMentor have helped her to reach her future academic and career goals -- to attend a four-year college and become a forensic scientist.

See all the pictures from the event

iMentor is witnessing an inspiring phenomenon in the midst of the dire news emanating from the financial world. Until recently, one of iMentor’s largest corporate partners was Lehman Brothers, which provided financial support for iMentor’s programs and more than 100 employees serving as volunteer mentors. When the Lehman collapse became evident, iMentor was unsure how many of the firm’s 117 volunteers would stay onboard in light of their own unstable professional lives. On the day that Lehman’s corporate philanthropy division announced it was no longer able to partner with the organization, iMentor sent an email to the Lehman volunteers letting them know they were welcome to continue mentoring--even without the support of Lehman.

Within hours, iMentor’s phones were ringing off the hook with Lehman employees calling to say they absolutely wanted to continue mentoring with iMentor. One volunteer said that it was his, “one ray of light in the midst of the crisis.” To-date, an astounding 97 of the 117 Lehman volunteers have stayed with the program. Of the 40 Lehman volunteers in the middle of multi-year mentoring commitments, 38 have committed to fulfilling their promise of working with their mentee until that student graduates high school.

Mentors like Gordon McKemie, who was working as an analyst at Lehman when the company collapsed, are now using the experience to provide lessons to New York City youth. "It's been a great opportunity for me to highlight the importance of education and flexibility--knowing that even if something happens with your employer, you have skills that will be in demand elsewhere in the workplace,” says McKemie, who is entering his second year of mentoring Ricardo, a senior at the Bronx Academy of Letters. “If I were working at a plant and the plant closed, my options would be limited. Going to college and doing high level work with my employer--I'm now able to take that elsewhere."

Eric Craig, who is beginning his second year of mentoring a student at the East-West School of International Studies in Queens, says, “Young people sometimes emulate elders who show strength, hard work, and resiliency. Despite uncertainty regarding the varying career issues that I’m currently incurring, it’s extremely important that I strive to continue my relationship with my mentee."

iMentor kicked off the "Step UP and Register to VOTE" event with seniors at Careers in Sports in September! Eligible mentees completed their voter registration applications with their mentors while younger mentees signed "Voter Registration Pledge Cards" promising to register to vote when they become of age. During the event, all pairs participated in a group discussion about politics and the election. Mentees were passionate about many issues including the war in Iraq, immigration reform, and healthcare. Mentors also had the opportunity to share their views on voting and important issues in the election. All the pairs received packets with information on the impact of the youth vote as well as online resources to stay informed with election coverage.

Pairs from Bronx Academy of Letters will also "Step UP and Register to VOTE" as part of their October kick-off event.

You may also view a complete list of iMentor's partner sites.