Mentors Inspire Foster Children

Coconut Creek, FL- For Leslie Lyden, nothing is greater than teaching children. A school teacher by trade, she approached SOS Children’s Village in the hopes of using her skills and training to tutor the foster children who live in the Village. Instead, she discovered something even more fulfilling, becoming a mentor to 14 year old Violet.

“I have always enjoyed inspiring, guiding, and encouraging children in my classroom and felt a responsibility to do the same within my community,” says Leslie when talking about her choice to become a mentor.

For a foster child like Violet, a mentor is not just someone to look up to; a mentor is someone who enriches their life by sharing new experiences and opportunities. Spending just an hour a week is enough to help her feel special and appreciated.

Their greatest challenge for Violet and Leslie was not to find something in common, but to overcome their busy schedules and find enough time to do everything that they want to do together. Between Violet’s school and extra-curricular activities and Leslie’s work and family commitments that was no small feat. But the results have been nothing short of spectacular for both.

The pair’s most treasured time came at the holidays when Violet visited her mentor’s home to make Christmas cookies and a gingerbread house. The mess they made together was huge, but the results were special treats that Violet couldn’t wait to bring home to enjoy with the girls sharing her foster home.

“Violet has lots of dreams and aspirations for a better future and I admire her for that. Her positive spirit and optimistic outlook on life impress me every time we are together! I am so proud to be her mentor,” exclaims Leslie.

As children arrive and leave the Village, the boys and girls who grow up there are always in need of mentors to make a difference in their lives. Mentoring requires a minimum one year commitment of one hour a week. All applicants are required to undergo a background check and fingerprinting before being matched with a child.