Success stories-Heart Gallery of Lane County

Mentor Stories

HEIDI LOOKING FOR A MENTOR
Heidi is a sweet, intelligent young woman of nearly 18. We've known her since she was 10. She's always been rather quiet and reserved, but she has a wonderful sense of humor, and doesn't shy away from joining in when there is something she loves to do. She has played the viola in her school orchestra for the past several years, plays piano, and is on the Varsity bowling team for her school. She is an excellent student, always getting very high grades. In fact, school is so important to her, that she will forgo a social event, if she has homework or studying to do! She intends to be a teacher one day. What we love about Heidi the most is that she knows who she is, and what she wants from life. She never compromises herself or her standards, and we know we can always trust her. Because of her own life experiences, she has a compassion that few her age have achieved. And her heart is huge! She truly cares about people; how they feel, and how she can help others. She is a joy to all who know her.

MIKE LOOKING FOR A MENTOR
Loyal and courageous are two words that come to mind when I think of Mike Lamb. If Mike counts you as a friend, he will do anything for you. He is sensitive, thoughtful and caring. He has the tenacity to overcome obstacles and turn them into character building blocks. Mike is objective and fair. He works hard and plays harder where, as a team player, he views his job as "The Motivator" for fellow teammates. Mike plans to pursue a career in law enforcement because he wants to help people. His history has given him the ability to see beyond what lies on the surface to the human being while Michael’s integrity gives him the compassion to see both without judgment. His heart is country and his soul is rock and roll! The ideal mentor for Mike would be someone who shares his passions – baseball, football and bowling, CSI, Batman, Chinese food and video games. The special person fervently embraces life and is not afraid to reach for the brass ring – not by stepping on other people, but by lifting each other up together. The most important characteristic of all is the mentor should share Mike’s desire to be of service to all persons in need regardless of personal differences. This hero can count on a long and fruitful relationship with Mike!

WRITTEN BY: MIKE’S FOSTER MOM

THERON 18 years old LOOKING FOR A MENTOR
Theron is a senior this year and is very active in his school spirit! He is a member of his cheerleading team and is an excellent gymnast. He is very enthusiastic and passionate about cheerleading. Theron is a sensitive, young adult who needs a mentor. He has five younger siblings and is very caring. Theron is very fun to be around and has a great smile!

The Hadleys manage a household that is calm, safe and happy. They strive to give the foster children in their care an environment to be kids again without the anxiety and chaos that accompanies unsafe homes. Their 9 year old foster son reported how much he liked having clean sheets and clean clothes. With time, he told Tammy and Joe about a favorite lesson he learned since living with them. He commented, "My favorite thing I learned in your house is how to be respectful. When I am respectful other people are respectful of me." There are life long lessons that create a new value system for children who did not have the opportunity to learn these life changing messages. A 13 year old girl who no longer lives with the Hadleys, still calls twice a month from Alaska where she is currently living with her biological siblings. This child referred to Tammy as "my angel who gave me another chance!"

The four Hadley girls are more empathic towards the hardships that people endure. "They will never not know how hard circumstances can be in the world nor will they be able to ignore them", said Joe and Tammy.

In the meantime with 6 foster boys at home, Joe and Tammy and their 4 girls have changed children's experiences, providing structure, safety, respect and love until permanent decisions are made about the future of these children. The bottom line, "We want to be good examples of what they can be." Joe and Tammy were selected as Foster Parents of the Year in 2006 for their extraordinary service to foster children.

ANGIE & GABRIEL & ANI—CASA

Four year old Gabriel had been in and out of foster care most of his life. He and his baby sister Ani had just spent 6 months together in a foster home when they were returned to their mother Shawna who had been battling a drug addiction. At the time of their return home, Angie was assigned as the children's CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). After thoroughly investigating the facts of the case, monitoring their mother's recovery, getting to know Gabriel and Ani and interviewing countless people involved in their case, Angie recommended that the children be returned home permanently to their mother who had successfully completed all of her treatment services. In June of 2006, Gabriel and Ani's case was closed and they are permanently reunited with their mother.