This has been a wonderful experience! It has been fun, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. I always look forward to meeting with my student, and I am so grateful to participate in this program.

Matt Davis

I love that I got a new friend from becoming an Elevator. Emily talks more and Ms. Kerns, her teacher, said that she participates more in class too!

Amanda Holstein

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

I used to be in the National Guard Counterdrug program in which we worked with at-risk youth; I missed being able to do that and that is the reason I became an Elevator...to have the chance again at being a positive impact on a young life that needed direction, guidance and a strong relationship.

I have been Gracie’s Elevator since she was in the first grade. I look forward to our meetings and enjoy activities we do together, whether it involves art, playing games, reading, or just simply talking; every meeting has been beneficial. I have watched her grow into a well rounded young lady. Gracie graduated from Edgewood Elementary this past May and I’m happy that I will be able to continue meeting through her middle school years.

Michelle Barton

It is humbling to see how much a little time given to someone can make a difference.

Aaron Settle

The single most important thing I get out of being an Elevator is knowing that a child other than my own children truly looks forward to seeing me and that I make a difference in his life.

JC Morris

Feeling like you make a positive impact on a child - even if it's just one hour a week is the biggest impact I have seen in my life.

Joanna Mueller

I absolutely love being Allana’s Elevator and I’m looking forward to school starting so I can see her and work with her again. I know that the children look forward to the summer break, but all I have been doing is wondering if Allana is doing ok, I do miss seeing her weekly and again I can’t wait for the school year to start.

The Elevator program is phenomenal, and I hope it continues for years to come. I wish to be an Elevator for as long as I can.

Kim Savilla

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

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