Angels Camp, CA…The Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program is pleased to announce Murphys resident Candy Gutierrez as the program’s Mentor of the Month for February 2017.

Photo: Candy Gutierrez (L) Tianna Lane (R)

“Candy is an extraordinary volunteer,” said Lindsey Titus, Youth Development Programs Coordinator for the Calaveras County Office of Education. “She goes above and beyond, dedicating not only her time as a mentor, but also her creativity as an artist, to the program.”

Over the past year, Candy has come to truly admire her mentee Tianna. “Tianna is a remarkable thirteen-year-old,” said Candy. “She is polite, mature, and confident in any group. Working with Tianna keeps me young mentally and physically. She is such a joy to spend time with.”

During their time together, Candy and Tianna enjoy cooking, sewing, knitting, and hiking. “One of our favorite memories was when we hiked around Lake Alpine,” said Candy. “Tianna wasn’t a fan of the bugs, but it didn’t matter because we were both in awe of the natural beauty surrounding us.”

Tianna is very fond of Candy. “Candy is thoughtful, kind, creative, understanding, and fun,” said Tianna. “Before meeting Candy, I didn’t know I was creative. Candy has opened me up to a world of cooking, sewing, and art. She is always there to offer support with school and to talk. I am lucky to have her as a friend.”

Candy retired as a school teacher after 31 years. In her spare time, she is a member of Independence Hall Quilters and a docent at Big Trees State Park. Candy wrote and received a grant from the Calaveras Community foundation for the “Sew Young” program that now offers free sewing lessons in an after school program in Calaveras County. “The best moment is when you see the light bulb go off in a kid’s head and they finally get it,” said Candy. “I’m just an additional person in their life to help smooth out the bumps.”

Candy is an avid supporter of the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program. She also creates a scrapbook every couple of years that staff use to describe the Mentoring Program to new participants. “The best part of the Mentoring Program is that the whole community can benefit from it,” said Candy. “As a mentor, I get to listen, understand, and adjust as needed. I now have a lasting friendship with an amazing young person. I have gotten more out of being a mentor than I could have ever known.”

The mentoring program is always seeking volunteers, and particularly needs mentors for boys. For more
information about the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program, call (209) 736-6078 or visit online at calaverasmentoring.org.