More Than a Match: Jimena’s Bolder Options Story

When Jimena was referred to Bolder Options at age 12, she wasn’t attending her regular school. Lots of things had become overwhelming, and she spent most of her time at home — quiet, anxious, and disconnected from peers. She didn’t know what she needed, exactly. She just knew something had to change.

When she heard about Bolder Options, the idea of structured activities, supportive adults, and a chance to meet other youth felt promising. “I wouldn’t leave the house a lot,” she remembers. She hoped this program could help her feel comfortable around others again.

What she found was a mentor who helped her take her first steps — and a community that kept walking alongside her long after her first year ended.

Starting in Middle School, When Support Matters Most

Jimena joined Bolder Options during a critical developmental stage. Middle school can be a challenging time, and she arrived feeling unsure of herself and hesitant to speak. But the early structure of Bolder Options — a dedicated mentor, welcoming staff, group activities, and a focus on wellness and connection — offered a safe space to practice showing up and trying again.

Gradually, she began to feel more comfortable. She smiled more. She talked more. She started to see herself differently.

Meeting Marisa: A Steady, Supportive Presence

When Jimena first met her mentor, Marisa, she kept her guard up. “I was a very nervous kid,” she said. “I would give one-word responses.”

But Marisa never rushed her. She created gentle entry points — offering choices instead of expectations, listening more than talking, and checking in with genuine care. “If there was an event she wasn’t sure I’d want to go to,” Jimena shared, “she’d say, ‘We can hang out and do something else the same day.’ That helped me open up.”

One of Jimena’s earliest memories with Marisa is a pumpkin-carving event — not because it was extraordinary, but because it was the first time she remembers having simple, carefree fun. After her first year, Jimena proudly walked across the stage at her Bolder Options graduation with her dad and aunt cheering her on.

But the mentorship relationship didn’t end when their formal match year was over. Jimena and Marisa stay connected and often attend alumni events together. Their next planned outing is to attend the Bolder Options Holiday Party. On staying connected beyond the first year of weekly mentorship, Marisa says it best:

“For me, it’s important that Jimena knows I will continue to show up and be a trusted resource if and when one is needed. While she continues to grow as an individual, I think it’s highly valuable to have consistent people in life, who’ve stood by over time.”

Alumni Programming: Discovering Confidence and Future Goals

Jimena stayed involved with Bolder Options, too, through our alumni programming. Jimena credits the Alumni Program, especially the I Believe workshops, with helping her understand financial literacy, career possibilities, and steps she can take toward the future.

“The I Believe program has helped me with finance. Savings is very helpful starting at a young age,” she explained. “And they gave options and different possibilities for what you want to be when you grow up. It gives you a better insight.”

She was especially moved by a career panel that included open discussions about mental health. Hearing adults talk honestly about their experiences helped her feel less alone.

“I related to that a lot,” she said. “We need to normalize talking about mental health so kids can speak freely about how they’re actually feeling.”

Over time, Jimena became a regular volunteer at events. She helps decorate, set tables, organize food, and clean up afterward. She arrives early, stays late, and enjoys contributing. Through these experiences, she practices leadership, teamwork, and confidence.

Jimena is an impactful leader in the program by noticing others who might be struggling to connect and reaching out to them. She commented about how satisfying it is to watch younger youth start to grow the same way she did. “I’ve seen how a lot of these kids have actually grown,” she says. “It’s like seeing little me — and then seeing them getting better.” She wants to find more ways to grow her leadership at Bolder Options in the coming years.

Jimena is also working toward her goal of joining the Army after high school — a goal she spoke about in her capstone speech for the I Believe program. Bolder Options is connecting her with a representative from the MN Army National Guard to learn about options she can pursue while still in high school.

Growing Into Herself

When asked what she’s proud of, Jimena doesn’t hesitate. “Literally everything,” she says. “If we were to have this interview when I first came here, I would have never spoken as much as I am right now. I’m able to talk more in depth. I’m not as anxious. I don’t shake as much. My mind doesn’t go foggy like it used to. I can speak clearly now.”

Jimena is back at school now - a junior at Minneapolis South High School.

“People tell me a lot in school that I take on a leadership role, like getting my friends to class, making sure they’re not walking the halls. If they have problems, they’re able to talk to me. I can get them to calm down.”

Her school staff have noticed changes in her. One dean told her that seeing her this year compared to last is like seeing “two different people.”

Her Message to Youth, Mentors, and Donors

Jimena tells young people considering Bolder Options: “Just do it. At first, you might get nervous, but once you’re willing to open up and socialize, everything gets 100 times better. There’s so much to do, and you’ll get to explore new things.”

To mentors, she says: “You can help someone explore new things in a way that makes them feel comfortable.”

And to donors: “Every donation has helped us in every way possible. Thank you for the donations of food, events, and basic things some families can’t afford. It helps a lot of kids improve in the best way possible.”

A Dad’s Gratitude

Jimena says her father has seen her growth up close. “My dad loves Bolder Options. He’s appreciated it because it has helped me with my mental health and socializing, and being a much happier and more energetic person.”

Her father agrees, sharing gratitude for the program’s support:

“I would like to thank the Bolder Options team for all the opportunities they have given Jimena to improve her life. Thank you, Bolder Options, for everything.”

A Story of Connection, Consistency, and Community

Jimena’s journey shows how lasting support — from mentors, staff, peers, and continued alumni programming — can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Starting in middle school, offering structure and belonging, and staying connected for years afterward, is what makes Bolder Options unique.

With the guidance of mentors like Marisa, the dedication of our staff, and the generosity of supporters, Jimena continues growing into her boldest self.