The Support Behind Every Mentoring Relationship

Dominique, Emmanuel and Olivia

After one year at Bolder Options, Mentor Program Coordinators Olivia, Emmanuel, and Dominique have each experienced firsthand what it means to build relationships that support young people. We sat down with them to reflect on their first year and what they’ve learned, what has stayed with them, and how this work has shaped the way they show up for youth, mentors, and the broader community.

Dominique

Bolder Options is about building real relationships, setting goals, and celebrating progress together. Many of the youth and families I meet are looking for connection, for someone who sees them and understands their world.

I know that feeling, because I was one of those kids. When I met my first mentor, I finally felt seen and heard and that changed everything. It gave me hope and showed me there was more to life than what I could see in front of me. That’s what mentors offer to youth at Bolder Options, too. No matter who they are, they bring passion, presence, and the powerful gift of their time. Even when they don’t realize it, they are making a difference.

Mentors are planting a seed you’ll never see fully grow, but that doesn’t make it any less important. In a world where real connection matters more than ever; mentoring helps young people build the social skills, confidence, and relationships they need to thrive. Reminding all of us what it means to show up for one another.

Olivia

A big part of our work is doing the upfront relationship-building to be ready for the bold choices involved in connecting two strangers who commit to a year together. We train, support, and intentionally match; working directly with mentors, mentees, and caregivers, which positions us at the center of all those relationships. From there, we stay closely involved as a support system and mediator, helping set relationships up for success, checking in regularly, and stepping in to problem-solve when challenges come up.

Being bold is at the heart of everything we do at Bolder Options, from the relationships we build to the way we plan weekly events. We ask mentors, mentees, staff and our entire community to step into that boldness: to try something new, to show up fully, and to see possibility where it might not be obvious. It’s in the way we create experiences rooted in physical, social, and emotional wellness, and in the intention behind every interaction. At its core, this work is about relationships, paying attention, taking chances on connection, and supporting the moments where something meaningful can grow.

Emmanuel

After a full year at Bolder Options, one of the biggest moments for me was seeing my first matches graduate. It felt like I was graduating with them because we started this journey together. Those early matches taught me a lot about being a program coordinator and what to expect moving forward, and it was meaningful to see how those relationships grew over time.

What I’ve learned most is how important it is to stay connected through conversation. I enjoy hearing about both the small updates and the bigger challenges, whether it’s scheduling changes, new jobs, or life transitions. The moments that stand out most are when mentors and mentees share that they had a great time together and can recall those shared experiences. Those are the moments that stick.

I’ve also learned that consistency matters. Showing up, checking in, and supporting both mentors and mentees helps keep relationships strong. Being part of this community has made that even clearer; from the Open House to the Bolder Bash, it’s inspiring to see how many people come together with the same goal of supporting youth. Being bold, to me, means trying new things, staying persistent, and continuing to show up.

These reflections are just a glimpse into what’s possible through mentoring. If you’re looking for a way to make a meaningful impact, consider becoming a mentor and joining the Bolder Options community. You’ll not only support a young person, you’ll also connect with a team of dedicated, thoughtful Mentor Program Coordinators like Olivia, Emman, and Dominique, who are there every step of the way to help relationships grow.