Jodi Voelker, a mentor through the Duluth YMCA, received the annual Albert and Louise Ordean "Making a Difference" award on Friday.
The award is given to an individual who goes above and beyond the expectations of being a mentor through the Mentor Duluth program. Voelker and her mentee, Sarina, 15, received the award during a luncheon in the Holiday Center Ballroom.
"At the event today it was obvious how much they mean to each other. They have really developed a strong relationship, and they have been involved in each other's life events," said Dave Schaeffer, YMCA Mentor Duluth Program Coordinator. "Jodi has a 1½-year-old daughter, so Sarina has been part of helping raising her. It's a great relationship, and they are meeting all the time."
The pair were matched in 2003, and, according to Mentor Duluth, they have established a strong friendship. They enjoy watching movies, going for walks, eating dinner together, going to the beach, watching sporting events and enjoying other activities that Duluth has to offer.
"It's a big honor to receive," said Voelker, 30. "I thank the Ordean Foundation and Mentor Duluth for being there and matching us up and supporting us through the last 4½ years."
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Mentor Duluth is a collaboration of seven local youth-serving agencies. The program matches children and teenagers 5 through 18 years old with caring community members who are committed to building a friendship with a young person. There are 300 matches and almost 200 children waiting for a mentor.
