Meet Barb Srnec!

1. How long have you been at AGCC?
Jack and I moved to Denver June 2010.  We have been at Aspen grove since that time.

2. Tell us how you became involved at NLP?
My daughter-in-law, Meredith met Ms. Walker at a meeting and called me the next day to tell me about North Littleton Promise.  She thought it would help me feel better about leaving Oklahoma and help me become invested in our new community.  I called Maureen Walker, talked with her and she said she knew of a really great girl who might like to have some tutoring over the summer.  I ventured out to meet with both Maureen and Karla soon after that.  We set up a time to meet with Rosa, Karla’s mom.  After that we met weekly to work on some reading skills. At that time Karla was just turning 11 on July 11th.

3. What is it like to mentor a child?
After school started up we had a little trouble finding times to meet.  I called Maureen, and she suggested that we consider joining another organization called Save Our Youth.  A real benefit to SOY is that it has a social worker assigned to help smooth the way in the beginning of the relationship.  It is a Christ centered organization as well.  Karla and I have talked about our early days, and both agree it was somewhat awkward, and we laugh about it now.  Karla loves music and she lets me know what’s hot in the music world.  Karla has a wonderfully large extended family, and she shares what’s happening with all her cousins.  Most of her sentences start with “me and my cousin”.  Which cousin Karla?  I am just now getting it all figured out.

4. Tell us a success story and/or a challenge?
Probably the hardest time was when Karla got a cell phone.  Mostly she would text her friends and cousins, and she has a million of both.  So it was difficult to carry on a conversation with her, even when I asked her to put the phone away.  She just couldn’t stop.  Finally, the phone broke and her mom has not replaced it.  Our Saturday times are much better now.  We have learned a lot about each other and about our families.  I really enjoy seeing her each week.  She always gets dressed up and looks so cute.  Her smile lights up my heart. She is in middle school now, and I am praying for her to be successful and have a peaceful experience.  I pray that God will guide and direct her path.

5. How would someone who wants to mentor a child get involved?
First, pray about it and ask God to give you a love for his children.  It takes a commitment of time and energy.  But it is so worth it.  I plan to stay in touch with Karla for many years, and keep praying for her.  Then get in touch with Ms. Walker and talk with her about finding a child.  Guys are so needed.  Many parents have to work lots of hours to support their family and don’t have the time they would like to spend with their child–especially tough for children and weekends and holidays when they are away from the structure of school.

6. Any other thoughts?
I am looking forward to attending Karla’s “quinceañera”…it is a big celebration for girls when they turn 15.  I will have to learn dances and to stay up late!!! Can’t wait.  Come join me in an adventure of a lifetime, mentoring a child!