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Diane Feenstra
Traverse City
Hero Story
Diane is a loving, generous mentor to a teen mother through the non-profit, Generations Ahead. Diane went through an extensive training a few years ago, and then due to the pandemic had to put her training on hold. As a result, she was just paired with her client (Susie) about 8 months ago. Over this short time, the two of them have developed a very close, loving relationship where Diane advocates fiercely for Susie. She provides encouragement and support, and empowers this young mom to become all she dreams of.
When the Diane and Susie first started working together, Susie was painfully shy and controlled by her abusive boyfriend. Since she and Diane met, Susie has blossomed into an independent and more confident young woman. Her transformation is nothing short of remarkable! Diane drove Susie everyday to an internship at a childcare center this past summer, ensuring she arrived on time and was prepared for her day of work. On their 15 minute drives, they developed a trusting friendship, allowing Diane to help Susie understand the dynamics of her relationship with her boyfriend. At the completion of her internship, Susie was offered a job at this childcare center, which gave her the financial ability to live independently with her daughter. The confidence knowing Diane was by her side is what really allowed her to consider ending the relationship.
Over Christmas, Diane helped her client move into a temporary hotel until an apartment became available, which she and her daughter moved into at the start of 2022. Diane helped her acquire all the necessary items for a new home, including advocating to get her some new donated furniture. Now that she is working and settled into a new place, Diane has provided driving lessons to Susie, as she prepares to achieve her next goal of getting her driver's license.
While these achievements may seem small, for Susie they are life-changing. Without Diane by her side, encouraging and supporting her, none of this would have been achieved. Susie's trust in Diane and her small steps forward have helped her gain confidence. More importantly, this confidence teaches her she is deserving of kindness from others, and she is a capable young woman. Diane has empowered Susie to reach for dreams she never thought were possible.
Perhaps Diane says it best when describing how she feels about mentoring: "It has been by far one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences I have ever been a part of. My mentee has so much potential to become anything she wants to be in life. She would love to go back to school when it’s feasible. I can’t wait to be there every step of the way to help her achieve a better future for her and the baby."
At Generations Ahead, we believe lives can be changed by cultivating trusting, healthy relationships. This helps empower teen parents to become great parents and believe they are deserving and capable of achieving their dreams. Diane embodies this philosophy in all she does with the young mom she supports.
Diane Feenstra
Traverse City
Hero Story
Diane is a loving, generous mentor to a teen mother through the non-profit, Generations Ahead. Diane went through an extensive training a few years ago, and then due to the pandemic had to put her training on hold. As a result, she was just paired with her client (Susie) about 8 months ago. Over this short time, the two of them have developed a very close, loving relationship where Diane advocates fiercely for Susie. She provides encouragement and support, and empowers this young mom to become all she dreams of.
When the Diane and Susie first started working together, Susie was painfully shy and controlled by her abusive boyfriend. Since she and Diane met, Susie has blossomed into an independent and more confident young woman. Her transformation is nothing short of remarkable! Diane drove Susie everyday to an internship at a childcare center this past summer, ensuring she arrived on time and was prepared for her day of work. On their 15 minute drives, they developed a trusting friendship, allowing Diane to help Susie understand the dynamics of her relationship with her boyfriend. At the completion of her internship, Susie was offered a job at this childcare center, which gave her the financial ability to live independently with her daughter. The confidence knowing Diane was by her side is what really allowed her to consider ending the relationship.
Over Christmas, Diane helped her client move into a temporary hotel until an apartment became available, which she and her daughter moved into at the start of 2022. Diane helped her acquire all the necessary items for a new home, including advocating to get her some new donated furniture. Now that she is working and settled into a new place, Diane has provided driving lessons to Susie, as she prepares to achieve her next goal of getting her driver's license.
While these achievements may seem small, for Susie they are life-changing. Without Diane by her side, encouraging and supporting her, none of this would have been achieved. Susie's trust in Diane and her small steps forward have helped her gain confidence. More importantly, this confidence teaches her she is deserving of kindness from others, and she is a capable young woman. Diane has empowered Susie to reach for dreams she never thought were possible.
Perhaps Diane says it best when describing how she feels about mentoring: "It has been by far one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences I have ever been a part of. My mentee has so much potential to become anything she wants to be in life. She would love to go back to school when it’s feasible. I can’t wait to be there every step of the way to help her achieve a better future for her and the baby."
At Generations Ahead, we believe lives can be changed by cultivating trusting, healthy relationships. This helps empower teen parents to become great parents and believe they are deserving and capable of achieving their dreams. Diane embodies this philosophy in all she does with the young mom she supports.