Hephzibah Mentor Kathleen Sheehan out in Chicago with her family.
When Oak Park resident Kathleen Sheehan first met Chance through Hephzibah’s “Heartmate” program, she had no idea how enriching the relationship would be for both of them.
Then 6-year old Chance arrived at the Diagnostic Treatment Center after leaving an abusive home situation. Kathleen volunteered to become his “Heartmate,” committing to spend an hour per week with Chance to play games, talk, and spend time with him in order to provide him with a steady, reliable adult role model – and to have some fun.
“I think she likes my personality,” Chance says of Kathleen, and he’s right. When Chance transitioned to foster care a year later, Kathleen wanted to continue the relationship and became his Mentor, visiting Chance in his new home in Chicago on a weekly basis and having adventures in the city.
“I love when we go to Pumpkin Moon and buy things with my allowance. I like going to the Harold Washington Library where we made a marble run and played,” says Chance.
The continuity in their relationship has been special for both of them. It gives Chance stability with an adult role model, something he rarely had in his young life, and it gives Kathleen the opportunity to watch Chance develop as he heals and thrives during his journey after Hephzibah Home.
“He seems really happy,” says Kathleen. “He clearly loves his foster parents, giving them big hugs before we go out for the day. He can focus and play for a long time now, and he’s very kind to other kids.”
Chance summed it up perfectly when asked if he could describe Kathleen in one word, what would it be? “Love,” he said, without a second of hesitation.
Last year Hephzibah’s volunteers spent nearly 4,000 hours interacting with children in all of our programs, providing invaluable healthy adult relationships in their lives. We are grateful for our over 200 volunteers like Kathleen, who give of their time and heart to Hephzibah kids.
For more information on how to volunteer, or financially support our programs for Hephzibah children, visitwww.hephzibahhome.org.