In the month of October, EMQ Mentor Shawnti Bortoli was acknowledged at a mountain retreat filled with guests at the EMQ-wide Volunteer Recognition Event. A select few mentors were chosen for this recognition and Shawnti was among those acknowledged for their work. Shawnti's work with her Mentee, "Gordy," stands out due to her consistency, diligence, and her total involvement in his life.

After being matched with Gordy, there was a period of time when he was having difficulties keeping himself safe and he had to be hospitalized. Shawnti immediately attempted to get herself on the visitation list so that she could continue her weekly meetings with Gordy. She did not want to lose that consistency as they were trying to form a bond. Shawnti did not make it to the hospital while Gordy was still there, but she did make it to visit him regularly at the group home he had to be moved to for a short time. No one asked or even suggested to Shawnti that she make such strong attempts to keep in close contact with Gordy, no one suggested this because they didn't have to; Shawnti did all of this independently.

The efforts to continue this relationship initially stemmed solely from Shawnti; she was having difficulty getting the family on board to schedule visits. This one way communication began before Gordy's hospitalization and lasted well afterwards. Shawnti expressed her frustrations to her Mentor Program support staff only to say that she wanted advice, but that she would like to address the issue with the family directly.

Shawnti worked with Gordy and his family for some time to assist them with remembering to include her as part of Gordy's team as well as to communicate with her on a regular basis so that she could schedule her visits and activities appropriately according to Gordy's behavior. Shawnti did this by asking the family to let her be more involved; she asked to attend CFT (Child and Family Team) Meetings and requested that Gordy's parents really keep her in the loop regarding Gordy's needs at all times. She wanted to ensure that Gordy knew that she was there as his buddy, but also as a key player when it comes to encouraging Gordy to make appropriate choices. She is able to do this with such finesse that one of Gordy's Family Specialists, Kristin Wyatt, says that she is "so effective" with him and that "he responds so well to Shawnti." This is due to the respectful and logical manner she uses to talk with Gordy. Shawnti has never put Gordy down, or made him feel badly about his behavior; she has only attempted to assist him with being the best person he can be. The best part about this is that Gordy himself recognizes this and is thankful for Shawnti's consistent presence in his life.

For the past many months now, Shawnti, Gordy, and his family have streamlined their communication and their relationship has really "stepped up to the next level" according to Shawnti. She expresses her contentment over how their relationship has grown. Shawnti has demonstrated beautifully two of our UPLIFT principles that guide our work:

The first is "unconditional care." Shawnti was there for Gordy even when she did not have the assistance or support of his family; she maintained that consistency and perseverance that allowed their relationship to blossom. The second principle that Shawnti has had to practice is her ability to be flexible. She had to meet the needs of the family for the first part of her relationship with them, which often times meant changing her original plans and thoughts on how things should be working.

Shawnti, Gordy, his family, as well as his Child and Family Team are all on the same page now, and to witness the benefits of this is just amazing. Gordy's dad recently told the EMQ staff that Shawnti is "wonderful and good for the whole family," not just Gordy as an individual. Liz Cesena, Gordy's Family Facilitator, expressed her feelings about Shawnti's involvement with Gordy and his family and said, "Shawnti is great; the family LOVES her! During every CFT, Shawnti is part of the "What's Workings" list." The entire team is ALWAYS praising Shawnti for her contributions during the CFT Meetings. The family has also expressed to Liz that they feel that Shawnti is "SO supportive".

When you ask Gordy what he and Shawnti do together, he acts as if that's a crazy question and his answer is, "What do you mean, we have fun" in a very sarcastic manner. Shawnti says, "He is just as good for me as I am for him. I tend to be very serious and Gordy teaches me how to loosen up."

EMQ wants to thank you Shawnti, and let you know that your efforts have brought so much joy to this family! Thank you for taking the time to make a difference in the life of a child!

Shawnti Bortoli, You are our Mentor in the Spotlight!!!

If you want more information about the Mentor Program, call us at (408) 876-4123 or email us at apane@emqff.org.

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