Samantha’s father passed away just one year before her mother referred her to the Junior Senior Friends Program. Although Samantha’s parents had porced, she was very close to her dad.
Upon his passing, his family severed all ties to Samantha, and for a 9-year-old this was a difficult reality to face. Coupled with the grief she had for her dad, she now had the loss of a number of people she loved. Samantha’s mother hoped that having a Senior Friend would connect her to a caring adult outside of her mom and stepfather that could encourage Samantha to enjoy her childhood, laugh, trust and spend time engaged in fun activities.
Meanwhile, across town, there was Tammy; a woman in her 40s who had spent many years pondering becoming a mentor. Tammy had raised her son and now he was off on his own and she felt emptiness in her life. She recalled what a positive experience she had as a child when she was set up with a mentor and decided she would take the step herself.
When the pair first met, Samantha quickly said, “I want you to call me Sammy. That way we’ll be Tammy and Sammy. Okay?” Tammy agreed and they began what was to become a wonderful friendship.
Now, four years later, the pair continues to spend time together regularly, citing going out to the movies and shopping as two of their favorite activities. Samantha will be moving onto high school next school year and Tammy can hardly believe it. “She’s so grown up now. I’m dreading the day she won’t want to hang out with me anymore.” Samantha has assured Tammy that they are “friends forever.”
To find out how to become a mentor with the Junior Senior Friends Program, please contact us at 228-1193 or friendsprogram.org.
Junior Senior Friends Program
