At the Bristow Center, our mentors play a crucial role in not only teaching but also shaping the lives of our children. Jess, a dedicated mentor who has been with us since the center opened, shares her experiences and the profound impact our programs have on the children we serve. Jess has witnessed first-hand the significant changes in the children she teaches. "A lot of the different strategies they come back with, they learn one class and then they come back the next class and they talk about it," she explains. This feedback loop is essential as it not only reinforces the lessons learned but also allows children to apply these strategies in real-life situations at home. After each class, Jess takes the time to update parents about the day's discussions and how their children participated. This ongoing communication is crucial as it helps parents understand what their children are learning and how they can continue the education at home. "If parents are asking some questions, we usually give some advice on things they can do at home with them at the end of the day," Jess adds, emphasizing the collaborative effort between the center and the families.

Life Lessons for the Future

Jess firmly believes in the lasting value of the lessons taught at the Bristow Center. The skills and strategies taught are not just for immediate problems but are life lessons that the children can carry into the future. "You might not need it now, but you could use them in the future when you're 5, but you might need it when you're 10 or you're 8 and you might need it when you're 15 or something," she notes. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the children are equipped for various challenges as they grow.

The work done at the Bristow Center goes beyond day-to-day teaching; it involves preparing children for future challenges and helping them develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Jess's testimony underscores the deep impact of our educational philosophy and the tangible benefits it brings to our children and their families.