By Karen Pearson, Ph.D., former president of Kids Hope USA
Serving as a mentor through Kids Hope USA has been one of the most meaningful commitments of my life. Being president of Kids Hope USA for nearly 7 years was an honor and a challenge certainly, but it’s extra special that I made time to serve as a mentor though a local church just like thousands of other volunteers across the country!
Mentoring through a Kids Hope program is a decision to faithfully show up at the school to meet with one child for one hour every week! But the real choice is to open your heart and mind to building a relationship with a child that will change you!
Throughout my years of mentoring, I have learned many mentoring lessons, and I’ll share three here in the hopes that others might be encouraged as they mentor too.
1. Listen More Than You Talk
It’s tempting to fill the hour with advice, encouragement, or stories about your own experiences. I’ve learned however, that the most powerful thing I can offer is quiet and calm curiosity. Asking thoughtful questions and truly listening builds trust. When a child feels heard and is not corrected or rushed, it creates space for the child to open up. Mentoring isn’t about having the right answers; it’s about creating space where a child’s voice matters.
2. Change Takes Time
Growth rarely happens in dramatic, movie-worthy moments. It’s slower than that. Progress can be subtle, and at times may be invisible. By being patient and consistent, you may notice small changes such as a little more confidence, a slightly better attitude toward school, and a willingness to try again when something is hard. Real change is layered and gradual, and it requires steady encouragement over time. The small steps count and are worth celebrating!
3. Showing Up Is Everything
At its core, mentoring is about faithfulness. Week after week, you show up. Even when schedules are full and it seems like there is nothing happening in the relationship. That consistency sends a powerful message: You matter. I’m here. In a world where many things feel uncertain, simply being a reliable presence can make all the difference.
Two weeks ago, as my student and I were walking to our usual table at our school, someone stopped me and said they’d seen the announcement about my stepping down as president. I had never told my student that I worked for Kids Hope USA. When we got to the table, she had a worried look on her face and asked, “you’re not doing Kids Hope anymore, so I’m not going to see you?” I quickly assured her that I was going to keep coming each week and that she could count on me. The look of relief on her face said more to me than anything she’d ever expressed in words. Our time together is important and something we both look forward to each week.
As mentors, we rarely see the full impact of our time and presence in the moment. The growth may be quiet, unfolding in small steps that build over months and years. Scripture reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Each hour spent listening, encouraging, and simply showing up is a seed planted. And in time, those seeds grow — strengthening confidence, nurturing resilience, and reminding a child they are seen, valued, and deeply loved.
Thanks to each of you for your part in this amazing ministry of mentoring and please keep showing up!