Mentoring Matters 5K raises awareness for local youth mentorship

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Follow My Steps Foundation hosted their 3rd annual Mentoring Matters 5K, bringing the youth and the community to Forest Park on Sunday. The goal of the event was to raise awareness of the need for mentorship in under-resourced communities.

“Mentoring is important because it can build social skills and character development,” expressed Jordan Rivera, a youth at the event.

This non-profit organization based in Springfield offers not only youth mentoring but career and skill development services and financial resources. Organizers told 22News that this event is also about giving back to the community.

As students got ready to head back to the classrooms, the foundation also gave out some school supplies after the race. This was all part of an effort to make sure that every student is well-prepared for the upcoming school year.

“It is special for us because most of the people in Follow My Steps grew up right here in Springfield, Massachusetts,” said Silavong Phimmasone, the Chief Operations Officer for the Follow My Steps Foundation. “We get to heal our inner child when we give back to our community and serve the youth in ways we were not served growing up. It helps the kids and their families.”

After putting in some work on the 5K course throughout the park participants received their medals and were able to enjoy some lunch.

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Kiara Smith is a reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since March 2023. Follow Kiara on X @KiaraBSmith1 and view her bio to see more of her work.

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