“Gratifying." “Refreshing.” “Rewarding.” These are the words Kim Bruce uses to describe her mentor-mentee relationship with Lanieke.

Kim had been a former volunteer for only a couple months in the Blue Valley District prior to being matched with Lanieke, a fifth grader in the Center School District.

Kim knew coming in that she would have to build up trust through consistency and true friendship.  Now, several months later, Kim knows her efforts have paid off. 

“My mentee [Lanieke] continues to become much more outgoing,” she said.  “It touches my heart every time I come to the classroom or cafeteria and I see her eyes light up and her warm smile welcoming me.”

There’s also been a change in Lanieke’s performance in the classroom.  “I have seen her advance in her math facts, and her teacher has confirmed that she has seen a significant change,” she said. 

Kim hopes to continue her relationship with Lanieke even through high school and firmly believes that mentoring adds value to the lives of children and adults.  "Sincere concern for others costs little," she says. "But its impacts are invaluable."

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