Patti Guilford, teacher by profession and mentor by choice, is helping change that situation, one student at a time. Guilford attested to finding her "perfect fit" as a volunteer tutor and mentor with the I Have a Dream Foundation (IHAD) of Boulder County. "As a teacher, this is a natural fit, a perfect way for me to contribute to the community."

The I Have a Dream Foundation of Boulder County helps at-risk youth from low-income areas achieve their education and career goals by providing long-term personal and academic support, tutoring, mentoring and four-year tuition-assistant scholarships to each graduating student. IHAD adopts entire groups of students (called Dreamers) from elementary schools and low-income public housing sites and works with these children and their families through high school. Currently, there are six IHAD classes in Boulder County.

Once a week, Guilford helps Dreamers with homework assignments and general organization as part of the after school tutoring program. She is also an IHAD mentor. Mentors differ from tutors by participating in a one-on-one relationship with a Dreamer and by making a longer time commitment - at least one year, but preferably until their Dreamer graduates high school. Volunteers can choose to be tutors, mentors, or both.

As Guilford pointed out, mentoring "helps the Dreamers feel connected. It makes education important to them for perhaps the first time in their lives." Describing her own mentor-Dreamer relationship, Guilford said, "I get to help her realize her dream and she knows that no matter what happens I'll be there."

After two years of volunteering with IHAD, Guilford has no plans of giving it up. "I love making an impact on young people's lives," she said. "I really enjoy seeing a spark when something makes sense or when we've made a real connection."

"There are a few people working really hard to make this program successful and more people could make it even more successful," Guilford added. There is a strong need in Boulder County for male mentors.

Guilford's advice to potential IHAD volunteers: "Don't be afraid you don't know enough or [the Dreamers] won't like you. Any impact on a child's life is positive."

For information about volunteering with the I Have A Dream Foundation or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904, or go to our Volunteer Central.