Beacon in the Night: Sparking the Flame of Mentorship for At-Risk Children
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.
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.
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.
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.
