Current Articles | Categories | Search

Thursday, May 15, 2008 Friends First Spotlight: Mike & Kedar By Katie Smith @ 10:28 AM :: 486 Views :: 0 Comments :: Program Articles, Testimonials to tutoring/mentoring   Time and again we hear of the importance of giving back to the community and reaching out a hand to those in need.  Perhaps there is no greater example of the power of this simple concept than the heartwarming and life-changing friendship of our Friends First match, Mike and Kedar.   At just 11 years old, Kedar wasn't receiving the support and guidance he needed at home.  His grandmother's house, also home to a host of extended relatives, was just too crowded to be conducive to a child's learning and growth.   So, Kedar's grandmother brought him to Mercy Home, where he was matched with his very own Friends First mentor, Mike.   Over the years, a true friendship has blossomed—one rooted in mutual respect, encouragement and trust.  In Mike, Kedar found much more than a positive role model—he found a true friend—someone to confide in, and someone he knows truly cares.    During their time together, Mike and Kedar have cheered alongside one another at Bulls and Cubs games, strolled through the zoo, museums and the botanical gardens, and spent hours just sharing conversations over lunch.     "Kedar is a genuinely nice and sweet person," said Mike, "Spending time with him is always relaxing and fun—and it's good for both of us to share an easy and comfortable afternoon together."     One of the greatest experiences the two have shared has been their frequent visits to a local soup kitchen.  After volunteering for years, Mike realized that it was important to give Kedar the opportunity to share his time and heart to benefit the community.  During each visit, the two work as a team to bring comfort, warmth, and of course a nutritious meal, to over 80 hungry and needy people.  Each visit finds them serving food, cleaning the pots and pans, or washing down the tables after everyone has eaten.   Kedar enjoys his time spent at the soup kitchen with Mike so much, that once he even brought along a friend.  “He’s very polite and helpful—and it’s clear that he really enjoys lending a helping hand to these people,” Mike said.  At a young age, Kedar has an understanding of what it’s like to be in need.  But he’s also very aware of something his grandmother taught him long ago:  There will always be people who are better off, and always people who have it worse.  And Kedar sees his volunteer time at the soup kitchen as his chance to make a real difference in other’s lives—just like the tremendous difference Mike is making in his.   Time spent with Mike gives Kedar the opportunity to relax and open up about the issues in his life.  Whether the two are simply sharing a meal, swimming at the local pool, or lending an extra hand at the soup kitchen, Mike and Kedar’s special friendship is a testament to the power of our Friends First program—and a strong example of the difference one person can make in the life of another. Learn more about Friends First at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. Visit http://www.mercyhome.org/mentor/

Comments Currently, there are no comments. Be the first to post one! You must be logged in to post a comment. You can login here