Welcome new & returning friends of For the Need. We are glad you are here. Continue reading for an inspiring update on Mario’s story, our recent Bow & Arrow event, the upcoming Paddle to Empower Pickleball tournament, and a look ahead to Christmas here at For the Need.
Mario: Hired! ✅
Can I share a story of hope with you?
Last month, I shared “Mario’s Ongoing Story” with you all. Mario was one of the first kids to join FTN’s Bow & Arrow Mentorship Program while he and his single mother and brother were living in a Salvation Army Transitional Housing Unit. His English was rough, and he was very shy. He was already starting the race of life from behind through no fault of his own.
At FTN, we are in the business of transforming young lives. As Mario turned 18, he graduated from high school despite the challenges he faced, and he stuck with our program, returning as a volunteer at the start of 2024.
Since then, Bree from WM helped him craft a resume, he applied and interviewed for a job at UWS, and last Monday (10/7), he had his very first day!
Mario’s first few days have been tiring, but great. He has an income on the way and is one step closer to self-sufficiency.
Thank you for all your support in helping Mario overcome adversity, discover opportunity, and realize his own unique potential.
Teaching them to Fish
Moolahlah Dollars & Dreams Day ✅
Lolah and three friends participate in Bite of Reality. Pictured above, they negotiate with volunteer Mike.
Cherice, volunteer mentor, conducts a mock interview with Soleste, who has been an “Arrow” since near the start.
Last Saturday, FTN partnered with Premier America Credit Union to bring financial education to our families in a fun and understandable way.
Additionally, with the help of WM and our incredible volunteers, teens ages 14+ walked away with the added confidence to apply for jobs and to ace their first interviews. This is HUGE for these kids. Without this guidance, it would be exponentially more difficult for them to break the cycle they were born into.
Elementary and Middle School aged kids engaged in a fun activity called “Bite of Reality,” where they learned how easy it is to spend all their money if they aren’t paying attention.
Volunteer mentors took on the role of a salesperson, and tried to sell, sell, sell, so the kids could spend all their “money” in a safe environement, learning this valuable life lesson before it applies to them in the “real world.”
Stay tuned as we aim to officially launch our “Arrow Alumni Launch Program (AALP)” soon, where the goal is to continue our efforts of guiding our older teens as they age into adulthood, seek employment, and learn to drive. Mario is one of our first successes with AALP!
God-willing, we will have double the capacity to serve and transform lives in 2025. One major way to help us make this possible is supporting Paddle to Empower! This weekend, join us as we enjoy a top tier “pro-am” tournament with prize money, a raffle, and top tier competition!
Help us reach our goal of $100,000 to fully fund our upcoming expansion into Los Angeles and beyond!
Show up this weekend & cheer for the best players!
Buy raffle tickets and win one of our amazing prizes including gift certificates to Luckys Tattoo, Slice House, Larsen’s Restaurants, Pickleball Companies, concert tickets, and MORE!
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⛄ Christmas is Around the Corner! 🎄
Save the dates December 13th for our 23rd Annual Christmas Party for LA General Medical Center. See Volunteer Shifts Available Here And save the Date December 14th for our annual Bow & Arrow Mentorship Program Christmas party themed on Gratitude and Giving Back. Apply to Volunteer Here
💚 Interested in Volunteering? 👐
Check out our improved Volunteer Page, where you can find all our upcoming volunteer opportunities. Sign up to receive notifications about upcoming volunteer opportunities here: Volunteer Opportunities.
P.S. I want to see YOU this Saturday/Sunday at Paddle to Empower @Sinaloa Middle School in Simi Valley cheering for pro-am players, buying raffle tickets, and having FUN!
