I noticed that Adam seemed more outgoing and receptive to people throughout our year together.

Christopher Etheredge

My children are mostly grown. Although I will be in their lives until the day that I pass, my time of modeling and nurturing sons and daughters has come and gone. This program gives me an opportunity to take those learning experiences and put them back into play. (Plus, it gives me a chance to work on my jump shot!) Although trite to say, it truly is better to give than to receive...but I offer this refinement: It is difficult to measure the impact of one’s investment of time and interest in the life of a young person. But I know, without a doubt, the warm feelings that I experience when I spend time with Amaad. When I see Amaad, my elevatee, come running across the gym with a jump in his step, I know that the effort is worthwhile. Although not the purpose, this mentorship thing is a two-way street. We, too, become better community citizens.

Bryan Cokeley