As we begin a new year and celebrate National Mentoring Month, we want to pause and say thank you. Because of you, we reached our Gifts of Experience goal!

Your generosity made it possible for children in our program to choose a meaningful enrichment experience they'll participate in in 2026. These opportunities, whether in sports, arts, or hands-on learning, help lay the groundwork for confidence, connection, and growth.

One of those children is Zach. Last year, Zach often ate alone at school. He told his Friend, Ethan, that other kids were mean and that he didn't like talking about school. But this year, everything has changed.

Zach has built a group of friends he genuinely enjoys being around. He plays with them at lunch, laughs with them, and looks forward to seeing them each day. Some of these friendships are with fellow program youth children who, like Zach are supported by Friends who show up consistently and with care.

Zach now talks about school with excitement. He asks when the next group hangout will be. He takes pride in being part of the program and has found happiness not just with Ethan, but with peers and mentors who make him feel seen and supported.

One day during lunch, Ethan arrived to sit with Zach. Zach immediately invited another program youth, someone who often struggles socially, to join them. She lit up, sat down, and the kids played together afterward.

Zach is learning what it means to belong and how good it feels to help others feel that way, too. When asked what he’s proud of this year, his answer was simple and sincere:

This is the power of mentoring.
This is the impact of opportunity.
This is what your support makes possible.

As we close out our Gifts of Experience campaign and honor the relationships at the heart of our work this National Mentoring Month, please know how thankful we are for you. Your belief in our children, our Friends, and our community is shaping brighter futures across Eastern Montana.