Spotlighting Elliott
Every child can benefit from a mentor, and this is exactly why Elliott got involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters – to be the mentor they wish they had.
“I got involved because I wanted to give a child the mentorship I needed growing up,” Elliott says.
As a volunteer mentor in the PRISM program, Elliott has helped 2SLGBTQIA+ youth feel empowered and supported. “I aspire to provide children, oftentimes in difficult situations, with a mentor that is predictable, encouraging and empathetic,” they said.
PRISM stands for Pride, Respect, Identity, Safety, Mentoring. The PRISM program connects young people in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to mentors in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Through the program, supportive, inclusive and affirming mentoring relationships are created. The program helps boost self-esteem, confidence and a sense of pride in identity for young people. The program takes place on school property, during school hours in a 1:1 setting.
Elliott was the first volunteer mentor to facilitate the program when PRISM launched. Big Brothers Big Sisters case manager, Jelyssa, says, “Elliott has shown dedication and commitment to the PRISM program – they have been very invested in piloting PRISM.”
Elliott embodies the characteristics of an exceptional mentor, Jelyssa explains. “Elliott is an incredible person all around. Their positivity radiates and is a major reason that they have been such an amazing mentor. They have a natural ability to make people feel comfortable and excepted. This is especially meaningful in a program like PRISM which is built around connection and identity.”
To Elliott, mentoring means creating a safe and trusting space. “Mentoring is creating a safe and supportive relationship that the mentee can depend on,” they said. “The mentor has the responsibility to tailor the relationship to the mentee’s individual needs and teach healthy habits through modelling.”
And, “Elliott has made a profound impact on the mentee they worked with,” says Jelyssa.
A favourite program moment for Elliotts was when they knew they had built trust. “When my mentee brought in some of their art to share, I felt honoured that they were comfortable enough to show me and valued my opinion,” they said.
Elliott recommends getting involved: “I would encourage others to get involved for the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve made a positive impact in someone’s life, and for the personal growth. Big Brothers Big Sisters has made me a more patient and resilient person.”
Thank you, Elliott, for your care, commitment and dedication to mentorship – we appreciate you!
