Angels Camp, CA…The Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program is honored to announce Valley Springs resident Ray Pekarcik as its Mentor of the Month for May 2019. Ray has been matched with his 14-year-old mentee, Mike, for over a year, but he has been a part of the Mentoring Program since 2012. Ray was matched with his first mentee for four years. “I decided to continue with the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program after my first match because I find it to be personally rewarding. I know that I made a difference in some small way,” said Ray.

“Ray is respectful, caring and immediately puts a kid at ease just by being himself. His two mentees couldn’t have more different personalities, yet in each friendship he is able to engage with authenticity and openness,” said Katie Lackler. “He is an excellent mentor and the kind of volunteer that our program’s success is built upon.”

“Having gone through it before, I had no expectations this time around,” said Ray when asked what was different with his second match in the Mentoring Program. “I know now that it’s about the mentee, not me. In doing this, I do get something out of it. I get to see a young man grow.”

Ray and Mike share a love of sports of all kinds. They often go bowling, play basketball, catch a movie together or get lunch. One of their favorite experiences in the past year was having a steak dinner for Mike’s birthday and watching sports games all afternoon. They both agreed it was a “total guy experience.”

Foster mom Ricki, couldn’t be happier to have Ray in their lives. “Ray is a lifesaver. Spending time with Ray is so positive for him, he’s so consistent and that’s what he needs. He looks up to Ray and he enjoys being with him.”

Mike says, “Ray is nice. He’s really good to talk to and he understands what I’m going through.”

Ray works full time as a Project Manager at Delicato Family Vineyards and raised his own three children in Valley Springs. He encourages those who may be considering becoming mentors to take the leap. “You will get as much, if not more, out of it as the mentee. That is the honest truth. Mentoring these two boys has opened me up to see things from perspectives other than my own.”

“I think the world of this program!” said Ricki. “The Mentoring Program has amazing support–it makes such a world of difference for these kids.”

“The best part about mentoring is that it gets me focused on something outside of myself,” said Ray. To new mentors, Ray says, “Go to the trainings! Being with other mentors is so helpful. And tell staff when there is a problem. Tap them as a resource. Your issue won’t be unique. Their advice and guidance almost always worked,” said Ray jokingly.

There are wonderful kids waiting for mentors in all parts of Calaveras County. The Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program is particularly seeking mentors for youth in Valley Springs and Angels Camp. For more information about the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program, call Katie Lackler at (209) 736-6078 or visit the program online at www.calaverasmentoring.org.