Josh and Justin’s Mentoring Story: Gaining skills through friendship & bowling

Josh and Justin at Yawkee Way in Red Sox gear

Meet Josh Brown and his mentee, Justin! Josh and Justin have been with us for three years now as Mentor/Mentee match of our Mentor Match program. It has been three years since Josh moved from Austin, Texas to Boston for work. In order to become more immersed in the Boston community at-large, Josh decided to join a recreational baseball league – and it is through the league that he met our very own Steve Slowinski. Steve told Josh about Partners for Youth with Disabilities and the Mentor Match program. Josh found it interesting, and thought it would be a great way give back to the community and make Boston more of his home.

Josh was paired with then 10-year-old Justin. Justin is now 13 and their relationship has grown immensely in the last three years through activities, such as going to the golf driving range, hitting baseballs, and playing video games. Their favorite hobby to do together is candlepin bowling. Justin’s love for bowling is what inspired him to ask Josh to help him host a fundraiser for PYD.

In Josh and Justin’s time together, they have spent a lot of time getting to know each other. Josh was thrilled when Justin asked him to create and spearhead together the bowling fundraiser because it is an excellent example that Justin’s strong social skills are growing even stronger. Josh is excited to watch Justin take ownership of the event this Saturday.

Justin next to Celtics player Courtney Lee on the basketball court post-game.

Josh has loved every minute of his relationship with Justin. When asked about his favorite moment together, Josh immediately knew it was when PYD got them floor seats to a Celtics game two years ago. That game showed Josh that both him and Justin are involved in the community. In the middle of the game Justin began talking to some of the players on the bench. Josh was nervous that they were going to get kicked out, because it never crossed his mind to talk to star athletes like everyday people. But to Justin, the interactions were person-to-person. Justin told  player Courtney Lee to start taking three-pointers because that was why they were currently losing. Courtney listened to Justin and the Celtics ended up winning the game. At Courtney’s post-game interview, he invited Justin to join him for the interview.

Josh wants everyone to know that mentoring relationships are even more rewarding than one would expect. You grow personally, and become more connected with the community while also being able to change another person’s life in the process. The best part is your mentee will teach you a few things as well.

Please join Josh, Justin, and the PYD family Saturday, November 14 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at Ryan’s Family Amusements in Malden, MA. Get your tickets here.

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