At the heart of the AFK mentorship program are stories. Stories of kindness, acceptance and inclusion. Of mentors, buddies and of their friendship—which has a lifetime impact.
Abhi and Buddy
I’ve loved spending these last few years with my buddy. He’s an incredibly talented, funny, and loving person who has been a joy to spend time with. I look forward to seeing his bright smile and eager recap of the week every time we meet. We’ve explored sports like tennis, football, and basketball, but our favorite […]
Owen and Buddy
The experiences I’ve had as a mentor with Athletes for Kids have been very impactful. The ability to build a genuine friendship with my buddy, and their family, is an aspect of mentoring I truly enjoy. While it did take time for our friendship to grow stronger, that process is something I came to value. […]
Gabe and Buddy
When I discovered Athletes for Kids during my junior year I immediately applied. My younger cousin was on the spectrum, and I knew the program would give me the opportunity to build the amazing friendship I had built with him, with someone new. After going through the interview process I was matched with my buddy, […]
Marcelo and Buddy
I joined Athletes for Kids right before my junior year and I have been meeting with my buddy well over a year now. I always look forward to our weekly visits at his house, where we usually play board games, walk/bike through his neighborhood or just talk about what is going on in our lives. […]
Kaylia and Buddy
I have been matched with my buddy for more than a year, and I have really enjoyed all the time we have spent together, making memories and building our friendship. I decided to be a mentor, because I value making connections with people and saw this as a chance to develop a special and meaningful […]
Ben and Buddy
I have been a part of Athletes for Kids since September of last year and meeting with my buddy is always one of the highlights of my week. Every week we play basketball – lots and lots of basketball. Rain or shine, I can always count on an intense game of hoops on the court […]
Noah and Buddy
Hanging out with my buddy is one of, if not my favorite part of my week. We love building Hot Wheels tracks as well as domino-placing cars and cool circuit kits. He especially loves going to swim and dive down to search for toys or climb on my shoulders as I run around the pool. […]
Spencer and Buddy
I have been matched with my buddy for over a year now. It’s been amazing to be able to see the growth in his social skills and abilities. My buddy is always eager to meet, has a smile on his face, and is willing to try new things. Going into the match I knew we […]
Ethan K and Buddy
“Joining the Athletes for Kids program has exponentially increased my character development through the last three years of my life and all that has to be because of the relationship I have built with my buddy. I’ve had the privilege to literally watch my buddy grow before my eyes and the memories we have made […]
Ethan and Buddy
“I couldn’t help but feel a little nervous the first time I met my buddy. These feelings were quickly washed away when I saw his smile. Now, when I get to his house, he greets me with his hands in the air and a wide smile. While he may need an occasional reminder to say […]