January is designated annually as National Mentoring Month, promoting relationships between adults and youngsters that can remain meaningful for a lifetime. Talbot Mentors takes this opportunity every year to recognize one of its matches and encourage new volunteers to make New Year’s resolutions to become mentors.
In the spotlight, this year are eleven-year-old Robby Graham and his mentor, Adam Lynn, who is an attorney with Miles & Stockbridge P.C. They hope their story will inspire those who may be considering mentoring to visit Talbot Mentors’ Open House on Thursday, February 19, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Talbot Mentors office at 108 Maryland Avenue in Easton.
In late 2013, Robby had been waiting four months to be matched with the right mentor. He lives with his mother and older sister, and they felt the need for a positive male role model in Robby’s life. “I love my mom and sister,” said Robby, “but I need a dude in my life; so my mom did something awesome and reached out to Talbot Mentors.”
The “dude” turned out to be Lynn, who was new to town, married with no children, and looking for a way to become involved in the community. After hearing a radio commercial for Talbot Mentors, he, too, reached out to the organization.
The Talbot Mentors staff carefully matches its volunteers with the youngsters, ensuring the relationships have firm foundations for success. Yet even the strongest relationships often take time to grow.
Robby recalls meeting his mentor. “When I first met Adam, I thought he was a serious businessman, but I realize he’s pretty awesome.” Now matched for more than a year, he acknowledges, “It was a good choice.”
Lynn was nervous at first but warmed up to Robby quickly after realizing he and the boy had so much in common. He also credits Robby’s mother for smoothing the path for them. “She was very helpful in getting momentum moving in our relationship,” Lynn explained, adding that they continue “to text a lot during the week.”
The pair’s mutual love for good food and outdoor activities provides the basis for many of their favorite activities. They try to meet weekly, when busy schedules permit.
While Robby says his favorite activity has been hitting golf balls at the driving range, one of Lynn’s favorites is when Robby helps Lynn with his two dogs. “Robby’s getting exercise and having the ability to hang regularly out with some dogs. A lot of our activities are like this. We incorporate everyday activities into the program, which is fun.”
Some of their activities have been less “every day.” Robby invited Lynn and his wife Emily to be his guests at a Baltimore Orioles game where Robby was honored for his service activities at school. “I’m blown away by how conscientious and responsible he is,” says Lynn.“I’m blown away by how conscientious and responsible he is,” says Lynn.
Mentoring’s benefits can last a lifetime for the children, but Robby gives a more immediate perspective in recommending other students to sign up for the program. “It gives kids the opportunity to tell their feelings and have fun at the same time,” he explains.
Lynn emphasizes that the benefits go both ways. “Meeting Robby and his family have certainly been one of the highlights of my life here on the Eastern Shore,” he said. “The Grahams have become family to me. I know deep down that any benefit I have given them, they have given back to me.”
He invited other men and women who can offer some time and friendship to a child to come out to the Talbot Mentors Open House. Noting that the rewards of mentoring go beyond those for the child and mentor, he added, “It helps better the community.”
For more information, to make a contribution, or to volunteer as a mentor, call Talbot Mentors at 410-770-5999 or visit www.talbotmentors.org.