When 11-year-old Jace was first introduced to Bolder Options, he was struggling—with school, with emotions, with finding his place. His grandmother and guardian, Tanya, saw the program as an opportunity to give him a stable, positive male role model. That’s when Bolder Options stepped in, carefully matching Jace with Kirk, a mentor who, from the very beginning, was dedicated to understanding Jace and helping him navigate life’s challenges. What started as a simple match has grown into a mentorship filled with adventure, learning, and life-changing moments.
Jace’s Journey: Building Upon Strength That Was Always There
Before joining Bolder Options, Jace faced challenges that many kids his age might relate. Tanya describes him as a boy who, when faced with frustration, often went straight to anger rather than problem-solving. He was enrolled in Phoenix Academy, a school designed for children with emotional and behavioral disabilities, and was working hard to transition into a mainstream elementary school.
“He was just really struggling with his emotions,” Tanya shared. “If you even just looked at him funny, he’d get mad.”
Jace’s life lacked consistent male role models. His father was not involved, and while his grandfather lived with them, his work schedule left little time for interaction. Tanya knew Jace needed someone who could guide him, teach him, and simply be there for him.
Bolder Options matched Jace with Kirk after a long wait, ensuring their interests and personalities aligned. This match was worth the wait.
Kirk’s Perspective: Why Mentorship Matters
Kirk came to Bolder Options with an understanding of what it means to grow up without a steady parental presence. Having faced his own childhood struggles, he wanted to be the kind of support he wished he had.
“I’m not a replacement dad,” Kirk says. “I want to be someone Jace is comfortable communicating with, to give him experiences he hasn’t had before.”
From their first meeting, Kirk noticed that Jace was reserved but open to conversation. Instead of pushing him to talk, Kirk let Jace set the pace. Over time, they found common ground in shared activities—building things, fishing, and engaging in hands-on projects, where Kirk encouraged Jace to think and problem-solve.
One moment that stands out to Kirk is when Jace had a tough experience on the school bus. After being scolded by the driver, Jace reacted impulsively, running off the bus. Kirk used this situation as a learning opportunity, helping Jace understand different ways to respond to frustration. “I told him the proper way to handle it would have been to sit down and say, ‘Yes sir, I understand.’ We practiced it together.” Kirk has seen progress, and Jace has even been welcomed back into Hoover Elementary after working hard to rejoin his school community.
“Most of the credit goes to Jace,” Kirk proudly reported.
A Grandmother’s Gratitude
For Tanya, Kirk has been more than a mentor to Jace—he’s been a lifeline of support for her as well. She has seen her grandson grow in confidence, maturity, and responsibility. “Kirk engages Jace’s brain,” Tanya explains. “It’s not just about keeping him busy—it’s about making him think. They build things together, talk about math and problem-solving. Jace’s confidence, reading skills, and even his willingness to help at home have all improved.”
Kirk has even attended school meetings as an advocate for Jace, standing by Tanya to ensure Jace gets the support he needs.
“It was so nice to not feel alone,” Tanya says. “He really has Jace’s back.”
The Relationship That Keeps Growing
Jace and Kirk’s relationship has evolved into something truly special. One of their early outings included a hike to Quarry Hill, where they explored a cemetery that was once part of a former state hospital. Kirk used the opportunity to share the history of the site and the importance of mental health awareness, turning a simple walk into a meaningful conversation. At first, Jace wasn’t always eager to meet up, but he always came home excited about what they had done together.
“Sometimes he’ll say he doesn’t want to go, but then he comes back saying, ‘That was so fun!’” Tanya says. “He’s always looking forward to their next adventure.”
Kirk introduces Jace to new experiences, from swimming to ice fishing. Jace, who proudly calls himself a 'self-proclaimed Merman,' has always loved the water. Jace enjoys diving into the lake with an enthusiastic splash or cruising along Lake Zumbro in Kirk’s small runabout boat. Sometimes, he even lets Kirk drive the boat. He even gave Jace a dictionary, challenging him to explore words that describe himself. They started with the letter "a" and progress a letter each time they meet. For the letter "e" Jace choose: Efficient, Explorer, Encourage-able, Excitable. Tanya believes Kirk has awakened a part of Jace that had been dormant.
“I always knew he had imagination, but he didn’t know how to use it. Now he’s building things, problem-solving, and thinking creatively.”
Kirk’s Advice for Future Mentors
Kirk offers simple yet powerful advice for new mentors: Mentorship is a commitment. Consistency is key. Many mentees have experienced disappointment from people they once trusted, so building trust takes time and patience.
Their story is proof that mentorship changes lives—not just for the mentees but for everyone involved.
"Being a mentor has given my life a boost. It’s rewarding in many aspects. I didn’t know that I was lacking these rewards until I experienced them. I consider becoming a mentor with Bolder Options one of the best decisions of my life." - Kirk
The Bigger Picture: Why Mentoring Matters
Jace and Kirk’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship. It’s not just about providing a role model—it’s about building a relationship that fosters confidence, growth, and a sense of belonging. Jace has learned how to navigate his emotions, approach challenges differently, and embrace new experiences. Kirk has not only helped Jace but also strengthened Tanya’s ability to support her grandson.
Their story is proof that mentorship changes lives—not just for the mentees but for everyone involved.
If you’ve ever considered becoming a mentor, let Jace and Kirk’s journey be your inspiration. The impact of your time and guidance could be life-changing for a young person who needs it. Get involved with Bolder Options today and help create more success stories like this one.
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