Many people believe there's no such thing as coincidence. After his experience being a mentor, Leon Jackson would likely tell you that saying is true. Leon is this year's recipient of the Outstanding Mentor of the Year Award. And Leon's mentoring story is one for the books.
Leon is everything a mentor is expected to be. He is a role model, an advisor, a caring ear, and a friend to those in need. In 2005, Leon became a mentor for the 4C Coalition. This mentor program helps young people make better life choices with the support of a caring adult. When Leon registered and trained to become a mentor, he had no idea he would soon be connected with someone he already knew very well - his next door neighbor, Tyrone. The 4C Coalition was looking for a mentor for the 16-year-old, who had strayed into substance abuse and delinquency. Neither Tyrone nor Leon knew they had both registered for the program. And when the 4C Coalition matched them, they had no idea the two lived literally next door to each other.
Over the next few months, Leon, at age 71, took extraordinary steps in guiding Tyrone to a healthier and more positive lifestyle. Leon taught Tyrone home repair and landscaping skills; he introduced Tyrone to his son and daughter, themselves successful adults; and he even offered to let Tyrone stay at his house when times were rough. With Leon's support, Tyrone was able to graduate from the Daybreak Alcohol & Drug Treatment Center at the end of December. He's back in school; after completing his education he wants to obtain a job that will help him be self-sufficient and continue his efforts to lead a positive and fulfilling life.
On January 28, Leon will be honored as Mentor of the Year at the Mentoring Night with the Sonics event at Key Arena as part of the celebration of National Mentoring Month. This courtside pre-game event is sponsored by United Way of King County, Washington State Mentoring Partnership, and the Department of Social And Health Services. It will highlight Sonics & Storm friends and local dignitaries speaking about how mentoring has influenced their lives.
The award is presented to a mentor who has made an extraordinary impact on a young person's life. The recipient is selected by a panel of judges representing United Way of King County's Volunteer Center and the Seattle Supersonics. This is United Way of King County's fifth year leading National Mentoring Month events in King County. Find out more about "Mentoring Night with the Sonics," other local National Mentoring month events, or how you can become a mentor.
Back to Volunteer Success Stories
Print version
Forward this Article
Subscribe to e-mail