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Spotlight: Lexington Middle
Each Thursday around noon, Lisa Timberlake meets her mentee, Latoya, for lunch. They take turns choosing a location and have established an easy routine over the past four years. They greet one another, catch up on families, share any unusual happenings, enjoy eating, talk about challenges they’ve faced, set new goals, return to school, and hug goodbye. “It took us time to get to this point. Some lunches we have more difficult things to discuss than others, and there are times when there is silence-but a comfortable silence-unlike the awkward silences when we first met. Other times we read, play cards, knit, or listen to the radio. It’s hard to communicate in words what this experience has meant to each of us,” explained Timberlake Timberlake has been Latoya’s mentor for the past four and a half years. They starting meeting mid-way through Latoya’s fourth grade year after Timberlake became involved with CIS when her church hosted a mentor training session. “My youngest child was a senior in high school at the time and I was looking for ways to stay involved with young people. My children had lots of caring adults in their lives and I wanted to give back to others in that same way,” explained Timberlake. For Timberlake, it has been an opportunity to stay involved in the life of a young person, to share her experiences, to gain another perspective, and develop a friendship. “I am changing and growing by interactions with Latoya, and I think she is too. It has not been complicated-it has been about slowing down, reaching out, showing up, and being open. All children need caring adults in their life.” “I’m just so happy to see her each week! It’s definitely the highlight of my week,” exclaimed Latoya. “The last few years I had some issues with behavior and have struggled; but I have really improved in these areas and meeting with Ms. Lisa is the reason. She is my best friend, she’s my life partner and we’ll be friends forever.” While Latoya has made huge strides with her attendance and behavior issues over the years, the relationship allows her and Timberlake to continue working through other hurdles, such as academics. “I’m excited about going to high school next year but I’m definitely nervous about the classes,” commented Latoya. “CIS has provided the leadership, encouragement, and support I needed to become a mentor, and I’m grateful for all the work they do on behalf of the children in Davidson County,” asserted Timberlake.
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August 2010 Newsletter
Spotlight: LMS
