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.
Derek and Buddy
“Being a mentor has been an incredible journey for me so far! I have formed a close bond with my buddy and continue to look forward to seeing him every week. When first starting with AFK and meeting with my buddy, I was not entirely sure what to expect; but once we really got to […]
Sophia and Buddy
“Before becoming a part of the AFK program, I had always known that I love being with kids and being able to help or support them in any way possible. Needless to say, Athletes for Kids has given me the chance for not only that, but other ways of impact that had never crossed my […]
Davis and Buddy
“Being a part of the AFK organization, I have had amazing experiences and created friendships that will last forever. I am happy the Athletes for Kids Program gave me an opportunity to form a friendship with my buddy. I have had so much fun and learned a lot from all the hours we have spent […]
Jake and Buddy
My first year of friendship with my buddy has been amazing and I could not have asked for a better mentoring experience. Especially during quarantine, my buddy brightens my day whenever I see him. We have had to shift from in-person experiences like playing ping pong, pool, marbles and just having conversations, to FaceTime activities like sharing […]
Jake and Buddy
Being a mentor has been an amazing experience for me. Getting closer with my buddy over the past 2 almost 3 years we’ve been together has been something truly special and being able to watch his growth and our relationship get stronger as well as watching him and his friends get stronger. All of the […]
Caroline and Buddy
Under the current circumstances that we are living in due to corona virus, I knew it would be difficult to see my buddy. I’ve known my buddy for almost a year. When we meet, we go on walks, play board games, eat ice cream or play basketball. Many of these activities can’t happen without being […]
Bret and Buddy
ECHS Mentor Bret has gained so much from the mentorship with his buddy. The most significant thing I have gained from my relationship with my buddy is a new perspective on the relationships I can build within my community. Prior to becoming a mentor for AFK, I was unaware that my buddy lived just down […]
Garrett and Buddy
When I was approached by an Athletes for Kids representative, I was ecstatic about the thought of having an impact on someone and mentoring them throughout life. I had expected that I would be able to help my buddy with day-to-day issues and be there for him; however, I never anticipated the tremendous impact he […]
Jackson and Buddy
When I first got matched with my buddy, I had no idea what to expect. I was nervous that I wouldn’t connect with him or that he may not be interested in having me around. I came to find out that was a misconception. From the day I first met him he has been full […]
Emmet and Buddy
Around a year ago, I got the email that I would be matched with a 10-year-old buddy. I was excited to begin, but that feeling did not come without nervousness…