Hope for New York

Successful mentoring requires a considerable investment of time, intellect, and emotions. Some volunteers make this commitment because they benefited from mentoring when they were students. When Edward Clow arrived at the University of Illinois, he lived on the same floor of a freshman dorm as ten Christian upperclassmen that chose to live there in order to befriend new students. "These guys loved the Lord and helped me do the same," Ed said. "I have no doubt that my life is different because of the conscious decision of these men to invest in my life. I hope to do the same for others."

Ed now mentors high school students on Saturday mornings through Operation Exodus, a program that helps children and teens in the Washington Heights neighborhood develop academically, socially, and spiritually. Ed and his fellow mentors teach Bible studies, organize basketball games, sponsor field trips, and build relationships with the students. Students have learned valuable character skills as a result of participating in the program.

Ed noted that fights would break out at the beginning of the previous school year when middle and high school boys played basketball. "It took two months of the mentors working specifically with the older boys, encouraging them to be examples rather than proving themselves to their younger counterparts," he said. "Attitudes changed, and since [then], the Washington Heights courts have been places of relative peace."

A Seed That Fell on Good Ground
One of the teens that Ed mentors is Adrian Mendez, a 17 year old who has participated in Operation Exodus for several years. Through its after-school tutorial program, Adrian received help with reading, writing, mathematics, and his homework. But his favorite is the Saturday program.  "Having a place to be after school and during the weekends has done a lot of good for me spiritually," Adrian said. "It has kept me off the streets and away from drugs that most of my other friends have tried." 
 
During some of his years in Operation Exodus, Adrian had deep doubts about Christianity. A series of Bible studies lasting 10 weeks were designed by the mentors to address his questions. After completing the studies, however, Adrian was still filled with doubts. Yet, a seed had been planted that would bear fruit months later.

By the time the next school year began, Adrian had changed. During a Bible study on the Book of Revelation, he unexpectedly began to share his new found faith. "It was amazing to watch Adrian, who had been skeptical for years, speaking with confidence about his new relationship with God," Ed said. "God showed me at that moment that I can not bring someone to salvation, only he can."

Adrian continued to mature in Christ and became an Operation Exodus tutor himself, "I really do enjoy seeing these kids because they remind me so much of myself when I was younger," he said. 

Operation Exodus is one of many organizations serving children and youth that are supported by Hope for New York.  Hope for New York’s mission is to provide volunteer and financial resources to organizations serving the poor and marginalized of New York City.  On Sunday, September 28 after all services, Hope for New York will be hosting the “HFNY Volunteer Fair: Serving Our Youth” edition that will highlight these affiliates that work with children and youth in NYC.  If you have ever wondered how you could make a difference in the life of a child, come to the fair and talk with volunteers and staff from these organizations and learn about how an investment of your time could impact the next generation.