With all of the division taking place in our country recently, I felt it was time for some uplifting conversation. I’m starting a new feature called “Hidden Heroes,” and will share real stories of real people. Whether it’s a story of resilience, a story of someone making a difference in his or her community, or just a feel-good, positive story about someone’s life, I think we all need a little more positivity.
Up first, I’m talking with Jaime Taylor, founder of Urban Mentors Network.
Tell me about Mission Year and how you got involved.
While attending Spring Arbor College, I heard about Mission Year from the Founder Tony Campolo and his son. They spoke in our chapel about this year long faith-based service program where you move into an underserved community, live with 5 other young adults, while learning about social justice , racism and poverty. Participants spend a year volunteering, being part of a community church, and learning what it means to respond to these issues as Christians. In 2000 I signed up and they sent me from Michigan to Oakland, California.
What made you decide to stay (do you still work for Mission Year or a different organization)? I fell in love with the people in East Oakland, especially the youth. Around my third month in Oakland, I had a peace that I was home and wasn't leaving. That was 16 years ago. I initially stayed and began working with youth in intensive treatment foster care, while mentoring/doing ministry on the side. After I stayed, myself and some other friends started doing a weekly girls’ group for some of our youth- we were trying to create a safe consistent place where they could find support, explore obstacles and struggles, God, faith, etc. That group lasted from the time they were 15 till the girls were in their early 20's. One small group evolved into a mentoring program - The Urban Mentors Network - a grassroots mentoring program focused on empowering youth and families to give back to their own community. The youth and parents are extremely involved in every aspect of what we do. Our motto is "Everybody has something to give" and we really mean that. It is often unclear who is serving or being served because we focus on creating space for everyone’s talents to be used and embraced.
What is your job title and what do you do day to day? I am the Director of the Urban Mentors Network. I spend my days mentoring, networking, creating programming, training volunteers, fundraising, and finding ways to share the vision and mission of Urban mentors with others.
What has been the most difficult part about doing what you do? Fundraising is probably the most challenging part of what we do.
Can you share a success story of someone who your organization has impacted? I am very pleased with how our youth are growing into young adults who now help lead some of our mentoring groups and events. One of our youth, Ty'anna was five years old when I met her. She was one of the first youth I met in Oakland. 16 years later she is helping mentor young girls, and pours her heart into our program while working and going to school. Many of our former youth (now young adults) are developing into leaders and mentors. But all of our youth, regardless of age, give back and help make things happen for our program. Our youth have endured an insane amount of loss and have faced insurmountable obstacles and they continue to impress us with their strength, courage, and their desire to be a positive part of the community. Our parents are also very involved and they give so much to our program.
What is the best part about what you do? I am so thankful I have been able to be here 16 years and watch former youth evolve into leaders. I am thankful I have been able to stay long enough to watch people's journeys and transformations and that our relationships within Urban Mentors are reciprocal. We are all learning from each other and growing as part of these relationships.
What stereotypes of prejudices do you sense people have about the kids you help, and what would you say to them?
I feel like my youth, and this entire community are deeply misunderstood. People don't realize how insanely hard their lives are and that amidst constant loss, inadequate schools, and so many obstacles our youth still have to pursue all of the goals and tasks that youth in safe communities with better schools face. My older youth have lost so many people to violence, or jail. There are very few jobs. The cost of living is insane even in rougher parts of Oakland. People often don't realize how hard this community is trying to succeed and shine - but the obstacles they face can sometimes make surviving difficult, and thriving nearly impossible. Everyone I know in Oakland is trying really hard to reach goals, give back to their community and make positive things happen. In general I think people have no understanding of how amazing the people in Oakland are.
When's the last time you took a vacation? I am not sure. I was just in Michigan visiting family, but I was also speaking about Urban Mentors at my former college, visiting supporters, etc.- most of the time when I travel it is at least partially for Urban Mentors. I am not sure when I have had a trip that was purely for rest and relaxation. But I am crossing my fingers it happens soon. :)
Do you get paid for your job? Is it enough to support you? I am currently the only paid staff. I am able to be paid more than I have been in the past, but we are not at a place yet where I can be paid an amount that would cover all my bills, and allow for things like vacations. Our fundraising is definitely improving and I am hopeful that we will experience decent growth over the next couple of years.
Any other thoughts? I know I started Urban Mentors but it is not just my baby. We have amazing volunteers, parents and youth who have taken ownership of what we are doing and are really the back bone of our ministry. There have been times when our funds were low, and it was parents who stepped up and cooked meals for our groups, helped with fundraising and everything else we do. Our youth are developing into amazing leaders with servant hearts giving and giving. I am so thankful and honored that this community embraced me and has become my family. I am really blessed.
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Urban Mentors always need mentors, community event volunteers and they run mostly off of individual donations. If you would like to get involved with Urban Mentors, you can contact them via email at: urbanmentors@gmail.com or through their website HERE.
Urban Mentors’ next event is December 10th, when they are hosting their annual Christmas party for about 125 youth and their families. If you would like to purchase a gift for a youth in need, they have an Amazon wish HERE.
Do you have someone you’d like to nominate for “Hidden Heroes?” Please contact Shanti HERE with the subject line “Hidden Heroes.”
Shanti Landon is a certified life coach and the creator of the popular food + lifestyle blog, Life Made Full. She is mom to five kids and the author of two ebooks: 30 Days to a Life Made Full and 10 Minute Prep Freezer Meals. Shanti started her blog in 2012 after her husband, Chris, was diagnosed with celiac disease, and their family switched to a mostly Paleo diet. Shanti loves running, coffee, pretty much anything chocolate, and watching funny dog videos on Facebook. Oh, and she lets her dog get away with more than she allows her kids. You can catch up with her (and keep tabs on her freakin’ adorable Labradoodle puppy Huck) on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest as well as YouTube."