Kevin, the man on the left side of the photo, was my first mentee 21 years ago. He is now married to Arlene, second to right, and they have three daughters. Kevin and Arlene are a YMC success story. Kevin was "street gang affected" when I met him, like so many youth from South L.A. That soon changed because he realized that it was possible for him to break away from the gravity of the street and create his own positive future. Arlene was estranged from her family at age 15, but that gradually gave way to understanding, acceptance and love. Today, Kevin and Arlene have fulfilling careers, are great parents and are still among the most treasured people in my life. Kevin was my first mentoring connection, but I have also had the pleasure of being a part of the lives of more than a dozen mentees, all of whom have become exceptional adults. My life changed, too. Through YMC, I gained a second family whom I love and adore. My mentees and I are a snapshot of the larger YMC community that does not fade with time and only gets bigger and brighter every year.
Please join us for this super fun event and donate so that YMC can keep inspiring positive futures. With love, George
