Our Volunteer Mentors Speak

 It is with humility and pleasure that I talk about my tutoring. I started two years ago and never looked back. I tutor on Mondays (would do more but I work full time). I look forward to Mondays (the highlight of my week). The children are so eager to learn. I find that God is working in my life when I am here.

Bobbi Mehigan, Whitefish Bay

Ken and I have been with the All Saints After-School program since the beginning (6 years). We feel that, as a Christian community, we are a positive influence to the children we serve. The children benefit by having an adult, other than a family member, show interest and spend time with them one on one, and help them with their homework. We benefit by seeing the children grow physically and mentally over the years as they share their joys and accomplishments with us.

Ken and Joyce Gilgenbach, Wauwatosa

Everyone has a passion and mine is teaching children to read.  All Saints After-School Program allows me to help neighborhood children successfully meet homework demand. The children know me and I know them. We talk, we laugh, we work hard, and all in a safe educational environment. I love every Wednesday and cannot wait for that day of the week to come. Thank you for sharing your children with a program that has as its goal: helping children to succeed. Mary Domer, Milwaukee

I have been participating in the program for 3 years. By participating in All Saints After-School program, I have a better understanding of what the Central City community is experiencing. Granted it is a 36-mile round trip but it has helped me to stretch myself and get out of my Ozaukee County comfort zone where the children have top notch opportunities and resources. By participating in the after-school program, I have challenged not only my attitudes, but have become a challenging force to friends and family to understand what Central City neighborhoods are trying to overcome. I am so excited that the “Readers Are Leaders” program was so successful. That should have an impact on the after-school program this year. Katie Schmitt, Cedarburg

I began this program during the summer after my sophomore year of high school. I was looking for volunteer hours in order to be a part of the National Honor Society at my school. After volunteering with the “Readers are Leaders” program this became more than volunteering for me.

Working everyday with the children was amazing; I enjoyed every second of it. I loved the students’ arrival with smiles on their faces ready for the task at hand. Reading was a blast! Tytianna and Tara loved the feeling they got from finishing a chapter book. After we finished reading, we did math. Once we had our math problems to work out, we would figure out each problem on the chalk board. Tytianna and Tara would make a problem up and write it on the board. Then I had to solve the problem. This game worked well because not only did they try to fool me, but they had to figure the problem out as well in order to determine whether or not I was correct.  I loved everything about the entire experience, but what I found most enjoyable were the millions of hugs I received, both as a token of their gratitude and a gesture of our new found friendship.

Thank you for the experience you and your program were able to give me. Calli Marek, Brookfield

I just wanted you to know how much I have enjoyed working with you during the last couple of months. The changes I have seen since you came have been wonderful. I like the way you have settled them down. From being in the program for a few years, I know we have some who really act out. You make it very clear what is expected and they rise to the expectations. The students are so respectful of those around them, and are very careful with the materials they are given to use. I like the way you encourage them to use the word “please” and “thank you”, and I see a huge improvement in general courtesy. There isn’t much shouting or yelling out. Interrupting others is not tolerated. Snacks are given in an orderly fashion and if there is any spilling or mess made they clean up after themselves. It’s really a pleasure for me to be involved. I know this isn’t an easy task, Adrian, but you seem to have a good blueprint in mind and are willing to try different techniques. I must say that I was surprised to see the number of children that showed up for the summer tutoring. This extra help will certainly help them in the new school year. Keep up the fine job and I am looking forward to helping in the fall. May God bless you as you strive to help these children to lead productive lives.  Marianne Scobey, Milwaukee

I am so excited to begin tutoring again because, even the 9 or 10 times I had worked with the students this past summer, I have gained hope and joy—and a new belief that “it is the children who will show us the way to a better, more fulfilling, and enjoyable life.” The kids are ready to work and give their all. All Saints After-School Program is and will continue to be a success for the kids of the surrounding neighborhood because of the commitment of All Saints Parish, and the dedication of the many tutors who give so much of themselves each session. This I do believe and have already experienced.