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Marcy Robey, business manager for the School of Information Technology and
Engineering’s Train to Technology program at the Prince William Campus, is
one of 15 mentors in a local ministry that provides mentoring to families with
special needs.
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Prince William Staffer Gives Back through Mentoring Program
By Patty Snellings
When Marcy Robey began attending trade shows and networking functions to inform the technology community about George Mason's professional education programs, she didn't realize she was preparing herself for a different type of outreach. Robey, the business manager for the School of Information Technology and Engineering's Train to Technology program at the Prince William Campus, is one of 15 mentors in a local ministry that provides mentoring to families with special needs.
The organization matches adult mentors with children of families with special needs, explains Robey. "The goal is to provide social and educational opportunities for a child away from a family environment that is stressful because of illness or other factors."
Robey learned about the program through a friend. "My friend is a fund raiser for the organization, and I attended art sales, galas, and other events with him," she says. "I met a very caring group of volunteers, and I wanted to be a part of it. Becoming a mentor seemed like a good fit for me."
Since last summer, Robey has been working with a young child, who was introduced to the program by her mother. Because the family lives in an ethnic neighborhood and includes a disabled younger sibling who requires a significant amount of time and resources, her mother wanted her oldest daughter to have an outlet for personal growth that she was unable to provide.
"I'm supposed to spend two hours with her twice a month, but our interaction far exceeds that," Robey says. As the relationship developed, the two began to e-mail and talk on the phone several times a week. Robey emphasizes that the effort isn't about spending money on entertainment but about sharing experiences that touch the girl's life in meaningful ways. Bringing the girl into Marcy's world has been another avenue to make this happen. "We've walked my sister's dog and painted my house," says Robey. "I want her to see how other families live and how they relate to each other."
Typical outings might include a movie, shopping, or a museum visit, but Robey tries to add other components, too. "For instance, having lunch in a restaurant is a great way to teach manners," she says.
Robey recalls a recent visit that changed abruptly. "When I arrived at her home, her mom told me that her behavior had been less than acceptable that morning. I didn't feel it was appropriate to reward her with an afternoon of fun, so I found another approach." The pair went to Arlington National Cemetery and talked about history, and the peaceful environment offered the perfect backdrop for a nonthreatening discussion about appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. "That day was a turning point for us," Robey says. "She opened up and really talked to me; we've been closer since then."
Robey admits that getting to know a preteen presented challenges. "I didn't know how to deal with a girl her age, and our preferences in music were so far apart!" Fortunately, she is very outgoing and open to new adventures - traits that helped create a bond of mutual enjoyment and respect.
"Mentoring has been a learning experience for me," says Robey. "There are so many good things in my life, and I like it that I have a chance to give back. My commitment to the program is for one year, but I can stay with her until she's 16. I enjoy being with her, and I look forward to seeing her. I'll reassess my options if it stops being fun." |
