By Taiwo AKINLAMI
On a quiet Wednesday at the Franklin County Children Services office, January 17th, 2024, “Make a Difference Night” illuminated the room. More than a gathering, it was a beacon, aimed at casting light on the most vulnerable among us: children teetering on the edge of home, on the brink of entering the foster care system.
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The night’s mission was twofold: to awaken awareness of these fragile lives, and to spark a fire within the hearts of attendees, igniting a passion for mentorship. Through the stories shared, a tapestry of hope and possibility began to weave itself.
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Ms. Eboni, the Director of the volunteer program, spoke with grace and conviction, outlining the critical role mentors play in these children’s lives. Program coordinators from College Bound, Crisis, Simba, and Malaika – culturally-tailored havens for young black boys and girls – painted vivid pictures of the impact their programs had. A foster parent, her voice seasoned with both love and loss, shared the success story of a child entrusted to her care, her words a testament to the transformative power of mentorship.
Among those captivated by the evening was Mr. Waugh Oleatha, Simba’s Program Manager. His quiet, yet powerful presence served as a gentle nudge, an invitation to embrace the profound privilege of guiding our precious children through the uncertainties of life.
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As the night drew to a close, it wasn’t just information that had been exchanged, but embers of hope. In the darkness, “Make a Difference Night” had kindled a flame, calling forth a new generation of protectors, ready to walk alongside the most vulnerable, one precious step at a time.