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.
Larson and Buddy
I have had the honor to be my buddy’s mentor for the past few years, and I have had nothing but positive things to take away from it. The joy and energy he brings whenever we hang out with each other is what makes him such a fun and amazing person to be around. He […]
Kevin and Buddy
I started my mentorship with Athletes for Kids in my junior year of high school, and I’ve had nothing but fun with my buddy. Joining the program was a little nerve-wracking at first since I didn’t really know what to expect, but the moment I met my buddy, all those nerves disappeared. Our usual Sunday […]
Soren and Buddy
Since I’ve joined Athletes for Kids at the start of my junior year, I have benefited in many ways. Before I got into the program and got matched with my buddy, I had heard a little bit about the experience via two of my close friends who were already in AFK; they had told me […]
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 […]