Meet Wendy and Harmony, a Mentoring Pair from Bremerton, WA

Wendy and her husband joined T.R.A.C. last summer as camp grandparents where they met Harmony. At age 15, Harmony was a first-year camper who was impressed with the rare sense of community she felt at camp. 

Soon after returning from T.R.A.C., Wendy signed up to be a mentor through T.R.A.C.life. The two were matched and began meeting in November of 2022 

Harmony wasn’t sure about getting mentored by a woman who was as old as her grandmother. However, after their initial meeting, Harmony wanted to meet more than twice a month. 

The two quickly discovered they had a common interest in signing. Wendy, who has a degree in sign language, now teaches Harmony how to sign. The two enjoy window shopping at the mall and ending with ice cream or a fun drink. Going to a glass making studio was also a favorite activity along with visiting a bakery. 

Harmony’s adoptive father recently passed away from Stage 4 colon cancer. To be heard has been invaluable for the grieving teenager. Getting out of the house has also been extremely helpful to Harmony as she’s processed her feelings and anxiety. The break further blesses her now single mother. 

To Wendy, a former teacher, investing in a young person's life has been a value for years. She understands how the lives of young people are enriched when multiple adults are involved in their lives. Harmony has recently become a Christian, so the two have had several conversations about faith. 

Harmony wants to be a mentor when she’s older. She’s had so much in her life with foster care, adoption and losing her father, so having a mentor means so much.  

Wendy couldn’t agree more, even though she was initially surprised that a teenager would like spending time with an older woman. Her advice to someone considering mentoring?  A listening ear, an open mind, and a heart led by the spirit of God. 

Mentoring makes a difference!