Seedling Foundation Needs Mentors
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or a child who has an incarcerated parent, a Seedling Foundation mentor can be the impetus to transform a childhood of worry, sadness, and insecurity to one of hope—giving the child the bravery and confidence to reach his or her highest potential. Now more than ever, the Seedling Foundation needs mentors to connect with children. Seedling’s mission is to support children challenged by parental incarceration with innovative, research-driven, schoolbased mentoring. But they can’t do it alone! Over 680 children were served this past school year through a well-trained and supported force of volunteers. With a staff of 13, the volunteers were recruited, trained, and matched to bring hope and resilience through one-on-one weekly visits during a student’s school lunch period. Local professionals on Seedling’s roster of volunteers include a range of diverse individuals from every walk of life— from doctors, lawyers, judges, and engineers to housewives, government employees, restaurant owners, and retirees. Judge Darlene Byrne, 126th Travis County Civil District
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“I can tell you, as a judge who presides over foster kids, how much joy it gives me when I know they have a Seedling mentor to stand with them. Building trust, confidence, and self-esteem is so important when kids have felt abandoned and left alone.” –JUDGE DARLENE BYRNE Court and Seedling Foundation Advisory Council member, had this to say to the mentors: “I just want to take a moment to thank you [mentors] for showing up for kids. I can tell you, as a judge who presides over foster kids, how much joy it gives me when I know they have a Seedling mentor to stand with them. Building
AUSTINLAWYER | JULY/AUGUST 2020
