Paying It Forward: How Mentorship Shaped Jesse Strong

From the Beginning: Jesse’s Story Comes Full Circle

In September 1995, the Pioneer Press ran a story about a brand-new mentoring program in the Twin Cities called Bolder Options. The  story was about the new Bolder Options simple but powerful mission: pair at-risk youth with caring mentors to set goals in fitness, school, and life. One of the very first participants was a young man named Jesse Strong.

Thirty years later, Jesse’s journey with Bolder Options came full circle. His reconnection wasn’t just about nostalgia but also witnessing firsthand the lasting impact of mentorship.

It all started during the Twin Cities annual Open House. As staff were preparing for the event and setting up, an ambulance and fire truck was stopped at the house next door, catching the attention of staff and visitors. Ryan and Darrell noticed a young man repeatedly glancing at the building and the Bolder Options sign. That young man was Jesse.

After the commotion settled, Jesse approached. “I was in Bolder Options 30 years ago,” he said. Darrell, who has been with Bolder Options for 30 years, asked if he remembered his mentors’ name. “My mentor’s name was Bob Besinger.”

Just like that, decades of history condensed into a simple, powerful moment. Darrell remembered Bob Besinger and this mentor obviously had a lasting impact on Jesse’s life. 

A couple of weeks later, Jesse returned to Bolder Options This time with two colleagues from his fire truck crew. They spent nearly an hour talking about his experience in the program, sharing stories, and reflecting on the lessons he learned as a youth. Darrell gave Jesse a graduation plaque, since they did not have them when he graduated, as a token of remembrance of the program that helped shape his life.

As Bolder Options reconnected with Jesse, we learned that he and his colleagues are part of an all-Native American fire crew, whose presence highlights both their professional service and cultural pride. Thanks to Jesse’s advocacy, they attended the Bolder Options Bolder Bash annual dinner and surprised everyone with a generous $10,000 pledge from the Minneapolis Fire Fighters Local 82 Charities.

How Bolder Options Has Grown

When Jesse first joined Bolder Options, the program was a small pilot in Minneapolis, focused primarily on fitness and personal development. Today, it has evolved into a yearlong, intensive mentoring experience that supports youth in every area of life.

• Expanded reach: Bolder Options now operates in both the Twin Cities and Rochester, connecting more young people than ever with trusted mentors.

• Robust Alumni Program: After completing their first year, youth can stay connected through programs like Adventure Learning, Employment Exploration, and College Readiness. These programs help youth build confidence and prepare for their futures.

• Deepened support: The program has grown from a fitness-focused initiative into a holistic program addressing not only physical wellbeing but also academics, emotional well-being, and life skills.

  
  

The Long-Term Impact of Mentorship

Jesse’s story is a glimpse into the lasting influence of mentorship. His mentor, Bob Besinger, showed up week after week, offering guidance, encouragement, and a consistent presence, a true example of paying it forward through care and commitment. Now, decades later, Jesse is continuing that legacy by giving back to Bolder Options, pledging funds to support the programs that once shaped his life. He is also helping recruit new mentors and plans to host our youth for a career exploration day at the fire station, inspiring the next generation through his example.

Still Needed, Still Growing

For 30 years, Bolder Options has adapted, grown, and continued to meet youth where they are. The challenges Jesse faced in 1995 - self-doubt, uncertainty, and the need for guidance are still present today. But his story demonstrates the lasting power of mentorship: one caring adult can make a difference for a lifetime.

Jesse’s full-circle journey is a testament to what’s possible when a community invests in youth. From the very first run in 1995 to today’s expanded programs, Bolder Options continues to prove that mentoring matters - yesterday, today, and for the next 30 years to come.