Potesta & Associates

2021-2022

Elevators

Spending time with Willow first thing in the morning just gives me a great start to my day.

Rhonda Henson

I've always heard that children are very resilient....I've now witnessed it with my own eyes. These kids roll with the punches. Both of the children I have been paired with have gone through some very difficult things at young ages and both of these young ladies face each day with such strength that it's admirable. They've taught me how to be more resilient, how to pivot and keep smiling no matter what is going on. It's quite hard to have a bad day when you see their smiling faces.

Lisa DeCrease

I feel I helped Grayson every time I saw him and that he seemed to enjoy me being there.

Kevin Ramsey

Goodwin & Goodwin, LLP

2021-2022

Elevators

Angelo became much more talkative after 2-3 meetings. At the last meeting, he was very talkative and open and seemed to enjoy our meetings. I feel like Angelo really needed an adult taking an interest in him and showing interest in his future. He is a really smart kid, and, if he keeps making the right choices he could really go far.

David Fenwick

Amherst Madison

2021-2022

Elevators

Amelia and I have formed such a good relationship, I can see a difference in her interaction. The joy I feel just spending time with Amelia and hoping that it can make a difference is very important to me.

Pam Lucas

A lot of kids need a steady, reliable, dependable person in their lives.

Jim Peterson

Katie seemed to be happy to see me on the days we met, and she was always talkative and told me about what was going on at her home and at school. She shared problems with "boyfriends" and other friends, discussed her family dynamics, told me things she wished she could do but could not afford to do, and she loved to share the things she learned in class that week, especially If I didn't know the information. I looked forward and enjoyed my time with her possibly more than she did. She is smart and funny and very competitive and a perfect match for me.

Deb Lamey

Other Elevator Comments

2021-2022

Elevators

My biggest takeaway from being an Elevator is learning that every kid is different (different personalities, different home life, different experiences, and the list goes on). But the one thing that every single kid needs is an adult who cares about them, whether it is a teacher, mentor, parent, grandparent, or a guardian. However, it does seem more special when it is an adult outside of the home. I have always known this but never given it much thought until recently. I know my adversities as a kid were nothing compared to some of the adversities that these kids face, but one example from my childhood was my difficulty in learning to read. Although there were times I was embarrassed that I needed to be pulled out of the classroom for individual help, I enjoyed getting one-on-one time with an adult who cared about my success.

No matter what situation is going on at home or in school, every single one of these kids wants to know that they have an adult who cares about them and their needs, wants, and dreams.

Nicole Barker