Allen & Gio have been matched for FOUR years. We love to hear the perspective of both the guardian and mentor and what the match has meant to each of them.
From Gio’s mom:
I know for myself, and Giovanni, we see Allen as a significant support in his life. Everyone who meets Allen says wonderful things about him, and I am truly blessed to have such an incredible match for Giovanni. Allen regularly attends Giovanni’s football games and makes an effort to support him. Giovanni talks to Allen about things he is struggling with and finds their conversations, and Allen’s advice, to be helpful. I am grateful for this program, and this match, and could not ask for perfect support for Giovanni.
Match Highlights From Allen:
- Our first outing we agreed on fishing. We went to a local pond with rods and corn and the perch that we were fishing for were smarter than we were because they were able to eat the corn off the hook before we could set the hook. Stayed out until the sun disappeared and made our way back home.
- Hyland/Bush/Anderson park in Bloomington: The park had a activities day so we got to do frisbee golf/slack lining/geo caching.
- I remember a game night at our house where eventually we were playing the game “Among Us”. We were all laughing trying to figure out who was the murderer in the group.
- Playing miniature golf at Como Park. Was competitive until I pulled away on the last two holes.
- There are a number of changes for kids going through 14-17. Hard to believe that in a month Giovanni could have his drivers license. It seems like yesterday when I took Giovanni out for the first time to go fishing.
- I’ve seen a lot of growth in Giovanni and am looking forward to helping him be able to graduate and help him prepare for his next steps.