A JIT Participant’s Story

When One Person Shows Up, Everything Changes

Imagine graduating and seeing nothing but empty seats in the stands. For many former foster youth, moments that should be celebrations become painful reminders of what’s missing. But for Makayla, those seats weren’t empty – because Valerie was there. 

Their story, recently featured on Channel 10 News captures the quiet magic that happens when someone chooses to show up.

Valerie, a retired pediatrician, didn’t just become Makayla’s mentor through Just In Time – she became family. She was there for multiple triumphs, the hard days, and even Makayla’s mother’s funeral. ” I feel really really blessed,” shares Valerie, who has now mentored ten young adults in the JIT community.

Being a mentor to a young adult isn’t about “making them breakfast and driving them to school every day,” as Valerie puts it, it’s about transforming lives through simple presence.

“Just that small token of your time will help to change something for someone – whether it’s navigating the DMV together, celebrating a milestone, or simply being there to listen .” 

-Makayla Scott, JIT Participant

What started as a match that can be described as “two peas in a pod” became an unshakeable bond that changed both of their lives forever. 

Be The Person You Needed When You Were Finding Your Way

This January, as we celebrate National Mentorship Month, we’re reminded that meaningful connections have the power to turn uncertainty into possibility. Your presence could be just what a young adult needs to write their next chapter.

For young adults who’ve experienced foster care, having a mentor can mean the difference between facing life’s challenges alone and having someone to lean on, learn from, and celebrate with. It’s not about having all the answers – it’s about being willing to show up, listen, and walk alongside someone on their journey. 

As Valerie has discovered ten times over, the rewards of mentorship flow both ways, creating connections that enrich both lives in unexpected ways. 

To learn more about JIT’s mentorship opportunities, visit us here.