Mentors' Musings

In our second year implementing the Illinois-based Parent Mentor Program, The ACE Project has already seen so much heart from our recent cohort. Already, our Parent Mentors have aced so many challenges, whether they experienced them in the classroom with youth, in the training meetings held at the end of each week with their peers, or in the community while trying to inspire new parents to get engaged in the program. They have demonstrated so much leadership and determination through their efforts; this collection of musings is a reflection on their time spent as Parent Mentors so you can see the difference it makes.

From Coach Hawkins:

This is my first year becoming a Mentor; I didn’t know what I was getting myself into at first or what The ACE Project was. But I did know that I wanted to help/find a way to reach out to the children of my community. With the wonderful help of our Coordinator, Coach Sanders, who I really do appreciate helping me with my training in whatever was needed no matter what. Joining The ACE Project has helped me in many ways especially my patience when it comes to helping others as well as being around others. I am a team player, but some of the times I like doing things on my own due to me not having much patience with others.

I was given a small class of students, and I must say I love how everyday coming to school. Knowing what I’m doing is a wonderful feeling, enjoying every chance I get with helping the children with their classwork, working in small groups, especially on sight words along with reading to them or having them read to me. Every Friday, we have a training called Tip-Top. We go over some of the things we have learned in the classroom and over all trainings for the week. In Tip-Top, we find ways to apply what we have learned to our class time with our students as well as outside school.

With The ACE Project, I am able to spread the word to friends, family, and associates as well as other schools. We need more parents to get involved when it comes to the children. There is also a great after-school program where the children interact with one another, playing a great sport with their mentors and their peers while learning teamwork with others. I must say I LOVE THE ACE PROJECT!!!

Children need to see/know they have someone that believes in them and that’s willing to help them while not giving up. This program has really changed my way of thinking. Once you get started, you’re going to want to put yourself out there even more when it comes to helping. Best believe, I will be doing The ACE Project again next year.

From Coach Scott:

Becoming a Parent Mentor has been an amazing experience. I love being part of my children’s school and my community. The reason I became a Parent Mentor last year was my son was having problems at school. A friendly face I knew in the school saw that I was upset. The friendly face was Coach Sanders, the Parent Mentor Coordinator. She asked me what was wrong, and I told her. She said let me help you and that’s just what she did. The very next day, I had a meeting at the school with the principal and several parents. This meeting was a success and made my son’s school year 100 times better.

Coach Sanders then offered me an opportunity to become a Parent Mentor myself. I agreed that would be a great idea and began training. The training was fun and informative. I actually use some of the training materials to get people to come to community events. The community events I have attended really help me see how to make a difference. The fundraisers and trips to Springfield got me involved in actually making a difference. I feel like The ACE Project has turned this stay-at-home mom into many things to be proud of. I have become a Parent Mentor, tennis coach, and author already.

The beginning of this school year, I was very excited to be coming back. Being a Parent Mentor is one job I love. When training started, I saw some new faces and some friends I already knew. This year, training was with another school which made it fun. The Parent Mentors from Lincoln were very friendly and fun to work with.

After a couple weeks in the classroom, we all see it’s not easy, but it’s worth it. The classroom I was placed in is really energetic and eager to learn. The teacher I am assigned to is an amazing teacher. She is fun yet focused and not in an intimidating way. She expects greatness and her teaching style reflects that. I love being part of her classroom.

In our weekly meetings, we discuss our week in the classroom and doing fun ice breakers every week helped us grow. The training is a refresher for me, but I needed the recap. The training is also helpful with my own children to get closer with them. I am very thankful to my supervisor, Coach Sanders, for making me part of this great organization. I look forward to future success and opportunities to make a difference.

From Coach Greer:

The ACE Project has helped me become more involved with my community. I enjoy making an impact in others’ lives; if I can help and heal, I would do that. I really enjoy helping the kids. They are a joy to be around, the joy and love they share is priceless. The positive things you all are doing with the community, I hope and pray that it will continue to grow all over the world and that it gets better and better. I hope there are more sports the kids included as well and that it makes our kids have their spirits lifted up with hope and joy as part of their future because of the positive people they are around. I pray it will be something to be known as the great group that helped strengthen kids’ lives forever.

From Coach Ford:

I am fairly new in the Riverdale area. This is my daughter’s first full year here at Washington Elementary School. I had inquired about any positions available in the school when I first moved to town. Unfortunately, at that time there wasn't anything available. I actually didn't know about The ACE Project either. Luckily, one night I was attending math night with my daughter. Who would have thought it would be the night of a great opportunity.

It was at the end of the event when Coach Sanders was handing out the refreshments. And out of curiosity she asked the parents if any one of us would be interested in joining The ACE Project as a Parent Mentor. I excitedly accepted the offer. I believe she thought I was just kidding, but I was serious. Coach Sanders saw I was not kidding and told me to meet her early Monday morning and I did just that. My short time here with ACE has been nothing short of exciting. I look forward to coming to Washington every day. It is such a joy to walk into the classroom and have all of the kids ecstatic just to see me. I don't look at the program as volunteer work. This is an opportunity. I am blessed to be a part of this program and I look forward to participating in the future.

From Coach Sanders:

One day in the middle of the school year, I was coming out of my sixth grade classroom as their lunch monitor. Susan Klumpner [who was the school social worker at the time] walked up to me and asked me to help her with this new program that she was starting. She said it was a tennis program and that she would like to start here at Washington School. I looked at her with a smile, but in my mind, I thought tennis in an African American neighborhood? This is going to be a challenge. Little did I know a change was about to come to Washington School and myself.

As a mother of 8 children, things were getting harder for me everyday, and I was also trying to run my own daycare. However, my children were getting older and the babies in my daycare were aging out. I didn’t know what I was going to do for income, and my pride wouldn’t let me ask for help, but the only skill I have is child development, safety, and nutrition. So, when Coach Klumpner asked, I said, “Yes, I will help. Anything for the children.”

Day 1 of training was easy but I still didn’t understand why I had to exercise. I soon found out. LOL. I will always exercise at least twice a week. Though I have never played tennis before or watched it on TV, I realize exercise is a way to stretch the muscles in your arms and legs so you can move without getting cramps. First, Coach Klumpner taught me how to hold a tennis racket, then she taught me how to hit the ball, and other skills, such as volleys and rallies, and lots of fun games, like Lobster Trap, Bump Up, Bump Down, Wall Hits, and my favorite game of them all, Queen/King of the Court.

So now the big day was here for me to start this tennis program with the children. We all were anxious and excited. Coach Klumpner and Coach Eaker were already inside the gym with tennis rackets and tennis balls. They had set up different stations for activities. Then, Coach Klumpner said, “Coach Sanders, here is your station.” Then, the children came in and were very excited. I was given my first six children, and I had so much fun that before I knew it, it was time to go. I couldn’t wait until the next day.

That was 6 years ago, and now I am a tennis coach and a Parent Mentor for The ACE Project. I also got the hours I needed to help me with my income. All 8 of my children have left the nest, and I am raising my two grandchildren. One of my grandchildren is now playing tennis, and she loves it. Recently, she received a scholarship with 5 other children who play tennis with The ACE Project to attend XS Tennis Village on Tuesdays and Thursdays. So thank you, The ACE Project, for everything and a special heartfelt thank you to Susan Klumpner for believing in me and for starting the nonprofit ACE Movement. You have greatly impacted so many children and parents in District #148. I can truly say you are never too old to learn how to play tennis.

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