MentorKids Stories & Updates
Press releases, MentorMoments, announcements, reflections, and real-life updates from across our Promise Neighborhoods.
MentorMoments: The Power of Showing Up
Real transformation rarely happens all at once.
In this month’s MentorMoment, Executive Director Aaron Parrott reflects on how the small, consistent acts of mentors, volunteers, donors, and community partners can add up to lasting transformation in a young person’s life.
We love the big moments.
But those moments rarely begin where we think they do.
The truth is, they’re usually built on hundreds of smaller ones.
Crissangel has been part of MentorKids since kindergarten. Year after year, he came back. And along the way, he has grown academically, socially, and spiritually. He has learned to communicate, take responsibility, build healthy relationships, and recognize his own potential.
Today, as a ninth-grade iLEADer, he’s encouraging and leading younger students.
That transformation didn’t happen because of one extraordinary day.
It happened because people kept showing up.
A mentor showed up again. A staff member offered another word of encouragement. Someone prayed. A donor gave another monthly gift. A volunteer served one more afternoon.
None of those moments, by themselves, may have seemed extraordinary.
But consistency compounds.
We often underestimate what faithfulness can accomplish over time. Little things, done faithfully day after day, become the foundation where growth, trust, and transformation take root.
That’s true in our own lives—and it’s true at MentorKids.
Monthly supporters provide stability. Volunteers build trusted relationships. Prayer surrounds our work. Board members provide leadership. Churches, businesses, and community partners keep walking alongside us.
“Little things, done faithfully day after day, become the foundation where
growth, trust, and transformation take root.”
Different gifts. One shared commitment.
Showing up—again and again—for the next generation.
The big moments matter because of everything that happened in between them.
What could you consistently bring?
Maybe it’s a few hours each month as a volunteer. Maybe it’s becoming a PromiseGiver and giving monthly. Maybe it’s exploring board service, praying regularly for a Promise Neighborhood, or finding another place where your gifts can strengthen this work.
You don’t have to do something flashy to change a life.
Most transformation isn’t flashy. It’s found in the quiet faithfulness of people who choose to show up again tomorrow.
Find your place. Keep showing up.
Until Next Time,
Aaron Parrott
Executive Director, MentorKids USA
Continue the Journey
Each month, MentorMoments brings you a new reflection from Aaron, along with stories of students, leaders, and the people who keep showing up across our Promise Neighborhoods.
Want to take the next step?
There are many ways to be part of what’s happening across our Promise Neighborhoods—volunteer, become a PromiseGiver, pray for a neighborhood, or simply help someone discover MentorKids.
July MentorMoments
Water fights, camp stores, splash pads, and butterfly landings—this summer was full of joy. But behind every laugh was something bigger: growth, confidence, and transformation. Watch the newest MentorMoments video, Kids Say the Smartest Things, and hear what students had to say about their favorite moments—and how their lives are being shaped through mentorship.
Happy Thursday,
It’s great to see kids having fun, isn’t it?
I witnessed the same thing at all 5 of our Summer Enrichment Program sites this summer: Kids having fun.
Palomino kids chased each other with water guns; Maryvale kids slid down water slides; Tempe kids eagerly shopped at the camp store using MentorKids “bucks” they earned; Paiute kids sang and danced at VBS; and South Phoenix kids dove on the floor during a version of “musical chairs” with no chairs (not a game for adults!!).
But, amidst all the fun this summer, there was something else happening: Lives were being changed.
Justice, from our Tempe Promise Neighborhood, has had a lot of ups and downs this past year. However, this summer something changed. In the words of our team member, “Justice came alive this summer.” Something clicked this summer to the point where, on the last day of summer camp, she said, “I really liked the Bible class because I learned about what to do and what not to do in the Bible.”
Briselle (1st grade), Katherine (1st grade), Ivan (kinder), and Diego (2nd grade) from our Palomino Promise Neighborhood had a life-changing experience in the pool this summer. At first, they were terrified of the pool. Even hearing the word “pool” would bring them to tears. However, by the end of summer, they were able to jump into the pool and swim on their own to the other side...without fear.
As you watch the short video and see some of the pictures from this summer, know that YOU were a part of impacting over 300 lives this summer. On behalf of the children and families we serve, thank you!!!
Until Next Time,
Aaron Parrott
Executive Director, MentorKids USA
Kids Say the Smartest Things — A Summer Snapshot
Filmed entirely by our own student leaders, this short video captures the joy, growth, and insight that bloom when young minds are nurtured through mentorship, academic support, and fun-filled enrichment programs.
In this special edition of MentorMoments, Executive Director Aaron Parrott sits down with students from our Tempe Promise Neighborhood to reflect on their favorite summer moments—making new friends, learning life lessons, going on unforgettable field trips, and creating memories that will last all year long.
Now in its second year of summer programming, the Tempe Promise Neighborhood—led by Neighborhood Manager Brittany Carrillo—continues to grow into a vibrant hub for connection, learning, and leadership development.
Watch the video—you’ll laugh, you’ll smile, and you’ll remember why this work matters.
Shop. Swipe. Support MentorKids.
We’re now part of Fry’s Community Rewards!
Every time you shop at Fry’s, you can help MentorKids earn quarterly donations at no extra cost to you. Just link your Fry’s Shopper’s Card to MentorKids USA (VD161) in the app or online.
It only takes a minute:
Open the Fry’s app
Tap the three lines (top right)
Select Rewards > Community Rewards
Choose “MentorKids USA” as your organization
Once it’s set, every grocery run helps us serve more kids across Phoenix. The more supporters who link their card, the more impact we can make, together.
Stay Connected with MentorKids
Want to keep up with stories like this, plus behind-the-scenes updates, impact highlights, and ways to get involved?
Be sure to sign up for our MentorMoments monthly digital newsletter! It’s the best way to stay in the loop with all things MentorKids—delivered straight to your inbox.
The Best Program: A Heartfelt Thanksgiving at MentorKids
"When three mothers described MentorKids in three words, their choices spoke volumes: 'harmony, happiness, love, fun, respect, family, learning.' One mom summed it up perfectly: 'The best program.' Their gratitude reflects the heart of MentorKids—helping children excel academically, grow as leaders, and connect deeply with God."
November 2024 MentorMoments
I recently sat down with 3 mothers with kids in our program and asked them each to describe MentorKids in three words. “Harmony, happiness, love, fun, respect, family, learning” were the words they chose. One mom used her three words to create a sentence: “The best program.”
One thing came through loud and clear: They are all extremely grateful their children are part of MentorKids. They shared that their children are doing better in school (reading and math), learning social and leadership skills, and connecting with God in a very real, personal, and practical way.
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we have so much to be thankful for. Here are a few things at the top of our list:
iLEADers who every day are investing their leadership capacity into the next generations of kids in our Promise Neighborhoods;
Parents who trust us with their children and believe in our mission;
Church partners who share the vision of the Promise Neighborhood and provide so much love, support, and encouragement to us, the kids, and their families;
Volunteers at all levels who give so much of their time and energy;
Financial supporters who joyfully give so that we can deliver amazing programs and reach more kids;
Paid staff who have dedicated their professional lives to advancing the mission and vision of MentorKids;
Our gracious God who always provides, guides, protects, and surprises us!!
Many of you were a part of our 2024 Morning of Hope Event we held last month. Our goal was $400,000 and, thanks to YOU, we raised over $410,000.
We are in awe of your generosity and of what God is doing in and through MentorKids. Thank you for being a part of building “The best program.”
Until Next Time,
Aaron Parrott
Executive Director
