Valley Springs, CA…The Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program is honored to announce Valley Springs resident Troy Dobberphul as its April 2016 Mentor of the Month. Troy grew up in Calaveras County. After serving four years active duty in the United States Army, including one tour in Afghanistan, he decided to come back to the community he enjoyed so much as a boy. “I always considered mentoring when I lived in other communities. It wasn’t until I saw a poster for the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program and received an email saying that someone had recommended me to be a mentor, that I knew it was my time,” said Troy.

Troy has been matched with his nine-year-old mentee, Benny Flores, for almost a year, and he enjoys every moment of their friendship. “Benny is a great kid, and we couldn’t have been better matched,” said Troy. “We have so much in common. We love playing sports, video games, and outdoor activities. Every day I spend with him is a special day.”

Colleen Nunn, coordinator of mentoring programs at the Calaveras County Office of Education, is very grateful to have a mentor like Troy in the program. “Troy is one of those extremely dedicated volunteers who makes it his job to serve others,” said Colleen. “Sometimes kids like Benny wait over two years to be matched with a mentor. Despite Troy’s very busy schedule, he always makes his time with Benny a priority.”

Troy also serves our community as a deputy probation officer working for the Calaveras County Probation Department. “I wanted a job where I could help people make positive changes in their lives and help them reintegrate back into our community,” said Troy. “It’s a good feeling to be a part of that process.”

“Troy is a very honest, compassionate, and dependable deputy probation officer, who is respected and admired by his peers,” said Samuel Leach, chief probation officer of the Calaveras County Probation Department. “I think these are the same qualities that make him successful in his mentoring relationship. He’s a great guy to have in our county.”

“My favorite part about mentoring is being Benny’s friend,” said Troy. “It’s fun for me, and I’m learning from him too. I consider myself a pretty polite guy, but he is my role model. When Sheriff Kuntz passed away, Benny walked right up to one of our deputies and said, ‘I’m real sorry about your boss.’ When I see him being so polite and kind, it makes me think if he can do it, I certainly can too.”

Troy also admires the structure Benny has at home. “His parents make it so easy,” said Troy. “They are flexible and work really well together as a team. If Benny is having a bad day, they call me. It’s an honor being a part of his support system.”

Troy encourages anyone who is interested in mentoring to come to a mentor orientation to learn more about the program. The Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program is always seeking volunteers, and particularly needs mentors for boys. To find out how you can support the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program, please call Colleen Nunn at (209) 736-6078 or visit the program online at www.CalaverasMentoring.org.

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