Milestone: 100 Mentorship Matches Supported for our 2023-2024 Fiscal Year!
We are thrilled to announce that JoyRx Mentorship has supported over 100 matches as we reach the end of our 2023-2024 fiscal year. Launched in 1999, JoyRx Mentorship is a crucial program for JoyRx, fostering companionship and friendship for children experiencing treatment and hospitalizations.
The Road to 100
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, JoyRx Mentorship focused on transitioning to virtual hangouts and connections across the digital divide. Due to hospital restrictions, we could not make many new matches during the first two years of the pandemic.
In November 2022, we resumed in-person matches with the easing of hospital restrictions and availability of the COVID-19 vaccine. Since then, our mission has been to return to triple-digit matches once again as we rebuild this program.
On Monday, April 15, our JoyRx Mentorship Specialists matched two mentors with their new friends, marking our one hundredth (and one hundred and first) matches. This is a cause for great celebration, as our Mentorship team has been working hard to achieve this milestone.
“Triple-digit matches! What a milestone,” said Salma Ruiz, JoyRx Mentorship Specialist. “I am so proud of our team for accomplishing our goal of serving over one hundred kiddos and their families this fiscal year. I’m so thankful to these families for allowing JoyRx to be a small part of their lives during such a challenging time.”
“Every day, I see the immensely positive impact this program has on the families we serve,” said Lori Piscitello, JoyRx Mentorship Specialist. “Our mentors walk into the room, and there is a collective sigh of relief from families, knowing they are not alone. Parents can leave the room to get something to eat, take a walk, or do whatever it is — confident their child is in good hands with someone who cares. It gives the parents a chance to breathe.”
The Lasting Impact
Being in a hospital setting can be stressful, and we’ve seen time and again how vital companionship and connection are for children fighting severe illnesses.
“It warms my heart that there are so many good people in the world that are willing to walk into a stranger’s darkest time and come out on the other side as a lifelong friend and confidant,” said Lori.
“I have said it before, and will never deny, that the work you all do is so needed,” said a Randall Children’s Hospital social worker. “It is so impactful and makes a difference for our patients and families. These programs are amazing, and those mentors are EVERYTHING!”
“I LOVE working with you all, and I LOVE the programs you provide,” they continued. “I truly believe that they make a difference, and I will do anything I can to further the work you do! It matters!”
We’ve seen the impact friendship and companionship have on young people. That’s why we champion our work to reach more kids who need joy now more than ever. We’re always looking for volunteers to join us as JoyRx Mentors. Please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator, Tess Paterson, for more information or to get started as a mentor!