At the heart of the AFK Youth Mentoring program are stories. Stories of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Of mentors, buddies, and their friendship, which has a lifetime impact.
Aidan and Buddy
Athletes for Kids has been a truly meaningful part of my life, and it continues to teach me about friendship and kindness. I started in the program in 9th grade to learn and prepare prior to being matched with my buddy in my sophomore year. Each week, I look forward to spending time with my buddy. […]
Chloe and Buddy
I joined Athletes for Kids in my freshman year after a coach encouraged me to get involved, starting out by volunteering at different AFK events. At the time, I didn’t realize the program would lead to the most meaningful relationship of my high school experience. When I began my mentorship in my sophomore year, my […]
Nick and Buddy
I’ve been a part of AFK since my junior year. Ever since I was 10 years old and I saw the impact the program had on my sister, I knew I wanted to become a mentor. After being matched with my buddy, it felt like we clicked right away. That first meeting, we instantly bonded […]
Molly and Buddy
I’ve been an Athletes for Kids mentor since the beginning of my sophomore year. I heard of the program through my older brother’s friend. I didn’t quite know what to expect, but I can truly say that it is one of the best experiences that came out of my high school years. Every time I […]
Parker and Buddy
I’ve been an Athletes for Kids mentor since my junior year, after hearing about it from two of my best friends, and I knew it was something I wanted to do. When I became a mentor, I knew a little about what to expect, because my friends told me, but the program has far surpassed […]
Will and Buddy
My freshman year of high school, I was looking for things to do, and a few guys on my lacrosse team participated in AFK. I had no clue what it was at the time, but I signed up intrigued by what it could entail. I was paired up with my buddy about a year ago, […]
Isaac and Buddy
In the spring of my sophomore year, I was in the middle of my school soccer season, and on the team chat, I got a link to this program called Athletes for Kids that I’d never heard of. Instantly, I signed up, not knowing just how special this program truly is. Later that year, in […]
Ethan Jones and Buddy
I’ve been in the Athletes for Kids program since my sophomore year. Joining Athletes for Kids has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in high school. My buddy and I meet every week, which has turned into a strong bond and a great friendship! Whether we’re inside playing board games, laser tag, Lego, […]
Nolan and Buddy
Joining Athletes for Kids has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and being a mentor since my sophomore year has truly shaped who I am today. My buddy and I have been matched for about a year and a half, and during that time we’ve built a really strong bond, we’re always […]
Swathi and Buddy
Being matched with my buddy over two years ago became one of the most positive changes in my life during high school. My years in the program helped me grow as a person, learning compassion and flexibility. But more importantly, it brought me one of my closest friends. My buddy and I made so many […]