Providing Hope One Child At A Time

Linda Featherman wanted to enriched a child’s life, to expose them to unknown possibilities and to create hope. Featherman grew up in Oxford, married, raised her family, became a professional interior designer and retired to her hometown. She felt the call to make a difference in the life of a child. She turned to Talbot Mentors whose mission is to help young people in-need or at-risk prepare for success in their personal and professional lives.

In the summer of 2014, Featherman was matched with nine-year-old Alexys. Almost four years later, they’re still together. More than ever, Featherman wants Alexys to “see that there is more to life outside of her own surroundings – to create possibilities and dreams for the future.”  She knows, through her personal experience as a parent, that kids crave parenting and discipline.  “I give her my love in a constant and guiding way.” Featherman has shown Alexys “consistency, encouragement, support, and approval”.

While the typical time commitment of mentors is a couple of hours a week, it is flexible and subject to the relationship and commitments of both mentor and mentee. In Featherman and Alexys’ case, they enjoy being with each other more than that.  “We volunteer weekly at St. Vincent de Paul Charity Thrift Store where Alexys is a cashier.  Through discipline and training she got very good at it! We always have a good time and we make it fun.” In Linda’s mind she hopes kids come to know that many others can have far greater needs.  Alexys also volunteers alongside Featherman at church events.

This past summer, Alexys was given an opportunity for a two-week Pennsylvania camp experience through the Talbot Mentors camp program and a partial scholarship from the camp itself.  Out of her comfort zone and nervous about leaving her mom and siblings, Alexys at first didn’t want to go. However, with the support of her family and Featherman, Alexys went and had a deeply rewarding experience and the hope for returning this summer. Featherman and Alexys see themselves together “for the long haul as a member of my family”.

Talbot Mentors needs you. You can help in many ways:

Become a mentor and change the life of a child.

Donate and help achieve the goal of offering every mentee a camp experience.

Volunteer to teach the children your special talent or hobby.

To learn about Talbot Mentors please attend the monthly information sessions held every second Wednesday, or visit https://talbotmentors.org/, or call 410-770-5999.