Impacting One Family at a Time

Fear is a feeling many of us go through when experiencing something for the first time. Magdalena Gonzalez is no exception. At LAYC’s Family to Family Mentoring Noche de Belleza/Beauty Night held late in December 2007, Magdalena finally got the courage to do what she never thought possible: apply makeup for the first time.

Magdalena and six other Latinas who are part of the program pampered themselves and received cosmetic tips from a professional makeup artist while bonding with their mentors and building their self-esteem.  “This program works with low-income families to provide them with the skills, resources, and encouragement to move past economic dependency and become better skilled and better prepared parents,” said Alezandra Russell, parent educator. And without a doubt, participants are gaining the skills and empowerment needed to get ahead.

Janet Martinez learned about the program through her daughter. Returning from a LAYC youth program, her daughter excitedly told her mom about Family to Family. “She said there were very interesting things I could learn,” said Janet.  After two months in the program, Janet has learned basic computers skills that she lacked. “Besides learning how to use a computer, my self-esteem has gone up; I have learned English; and I am less shy around people,” said Janet.

Family to Family addresses self-sufficiency through enhancing relationships, social support, leadership, community involvement, critical thinking, and life skills.  Additionally, participants are paired with mentors who commit to spending at least five hours with their mentee during the program’s three-month duration. These hours can be spent over coffee, while taking a walk, visiting the mentee’s home, or accompanying them to an appointment.

For many participants, the support and training received from mentors and outside guests is the first time they have experienced care and love from members of the community.

Becoming a mentor is a perfect way for community members looking to give back.

If you want to volunteer for the next term, please email Maria Iglesias-Gaspar, mariai@layc-dc.org.