![[CREDIT: Rhonda Lapham] From left, Lapham's mother, who was one of her natural mentors and Lapham herself.](https://e8dgfhu6pow.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BBBS-Lapham-Mother-Natural-Mentors.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
RHONDA LAPHAM
Market President, iHeartMedia Windfall & Board Member, Massive Brothers Massive Sisters of Rhode Island
Could is a time of change and progress. College students are wrapping up the varsity 12 months, households are adjusting to new routines, and many people are waiting for summer season.
It’s additionally Psychological Well being Consciousness Month, which reminds us of the significance of connection and belonging in a teenager’s life, at pure mentors
As a Board Member at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island (BBBSRI), and somebody who has benefited deeply from mentorship, I understand how highly effective these relationships may be.
A number of the most influential individuals in my life weren’t assigned mentors—they have been pure mentors: lecturers, coaches, neighbors, and colleagues who naturally stepped into that function. I discovered a lot from these people—traits and expertise which have made me the individual that I’m at present. I discovered management, empathy, compassion, and the will to assist make a distinction. They helped form my values, guided me by way of powerful occasions, and celebrated my progress. These “pure mentors” are throughout us, and infrequently, they don’t understand the impression they’re having.
At BBBSRI, they work to help and strengthen these pure mentorships. They know that younger individuals thrive once they really feel seen, supported, and linked—and that’s precisely what mentoring does. In truth, 100% of Mentees in BBBSRI packages superior to the following grade final 12 months. Mother and father additionally reported main enhancements in psychological well being (91%), elevated self-confidence (86%), and avoidance of the juvenile justice system (97%). And each single Mentor stated they have been positively impacted by the expertise.
We additionally know from nationwide knowledge that mentored youth are 20% extra prone to attend school than their non-mentored friends. These relationships matter.
If you happen to or your youngster are in a pure mentoring scenario—perhaps there’s a coach, household good friend, or neighbor already taking part in that function—I encourage you to contemplate enrolling formally with BBBSRI. Their packages improve and help these current relationships by offering skilled case administration, entry to free or low-cost actions, and alternatives for scholarships, monetary help, workforce improvement, and extra. Mentorship doesn’t have to begin from scratch—however with the correct help, it will probably go even additional. Let’s assist our youth succeed—collectively.
Excited about nominating somebody for the BBBSRI AWARD FOR NATURAL MENTORING? This award acknowledges people who encourage, information, and empower others by way of pure, natural mentorship. The honoree doesn’t want to carry a proper mentoring title however ought to exhibit distinctive dedication to fostering progress and improvement in others by way of significant, genuine relationships. We’re excited to current The BBBSRI Award for Pure Mentoring at this 12 months’s Massive Breakfast on Oct. 23 at Kirkbrae Nation Membership.
Take into account nominating a mentor right here: https://form.jotform.com/250405302654043. Nominations due by Could 16th. If you happen to’d like extra data about BBBSRI go to BigsRI.org.
