Hope in finding a mentor for a young father

Some of you know I set up DCT after my experience in New York over 4 years ago; and how that changed my life, leading me to all that I do now. If don’t know then you can read about it here

Today I am on a ‘high’! Most days I am whenever I run any of my programmes, but today is different. Imagine when you have a vision or dream in your mind’s eye and you believe in your heart that one day you will make that dream a reality. Well my today was a bit like that and all because I met a young man – a young father who is the symbol of why I set up a Young Fathers Mentoring scheme.

Since DCT has been running, this has been one of the 3 programmes that I wanted to run almost immediately but seemed to elude me. Not in direction – that is still the same, but because my passion looked misplaced compared to what’s out there in terms of support. For me, I wanted to give a human touch and make that connection between people – one in need of guidance and the other willing to give it. It seems simple right? Running a business I have come to realise is not simple most times, and passion is not enough – action – hard work and something called Hope.

While my dream seemed to fade, I never gave up hope that one day I would start because there is a need for it. Hope keeps you going and honestly never fails if you believe, persevere, be determined etc.

I hoped I would find someone or people who share my dream for young fathers and support it practically – then out of no where I met Ben who was a young father, but has overcome his challenges and is doing extremely well. This was a chance meeting honestly – we were asking each other what we did and I mentioned the scheme, and he eyes lit up and he told me his story – which I wouldn’t bore you with. But you can imagine I was overjoyed at his willingness to support me because he knew all too well what he went through as a young father.

Well, that was about 15 or so months ago, and we have kept in touch – yes life and the recession got in the way and that dream was put on the back burner again. But that changed when I got a call early July about a potential mentee. I was excited when the contact told me about Kevin and how he just needed to be given a chance with someone who wouldn’t judge him and have his best interest at heart in the support he gave.

So today was the day I met Kevin and he is a delightful young man! I was excited about the meet-up but honestly didn’t know what to expect – I was very pleasantly surprised – we spent almost 2 hours talking about his goals and things he wants to achieve in life; and as he talked I could see that dream becoming a reality. He was honest about his life and I knew that this was the right time for this scheme to take off.

I am under no illusion it is going to be smooth sailing and that’s something I am prepared to support Ben with when things are not going as he and I had hoped. I told Kevin what my expectations are and he understood – honestly he is switched on and I believe as an eternal optimist, things are going to work for the best – he will succeed.

Anyone can become a mentor – you don’t have to been a young father or a father at the moment, but just willing to give your time freely and genuinely to a young father. For more information go to Young Fathers Mentoring