January 15, 2026
Finding His Place
Jackson’s story of connection, confidence, and long-term mentorship
When we first met Jackson, he was having a hard time feeling safe and settled at school. He often sought quiet spaces to retreat when the day felt overwhelming, which made it difficult for him to stay in class and engage in learning.
Jackson lives with his grandmother, who enrolled him in our program because she saw his potential and knew he needed additional support. She shared that Jackson rarely spoke to anyone outside their home and struggled to connect with others at school. His teacher echoed these concerns, noting that inconsistent attendance and limited peer interaction made it hard for Jackson to fully participate in the classroom or feel successful as a learner.
With the steady presence of his mentor, things began to shift. Over the past four months, Jackson has gained tools to navigate his school day with greater confidence. He now engages with peers and approaches learning with curiosity and enthusiasm. Through consistent one on one time with a trusted adult, Jackson has practiced social skills in a supportive environment where he feels seen and understood. That sense of trust has carried into his relationships at school.
Recently, Jackson made the choice to return to Native Club, an activity he had previously declined after a difficult experience last year. This time, his experience was very different. The Native Education Specialist who leads the club shared that Jackson is now a totally different kid, describing his increased comfort, participation, and sense of belonging.
The impact extends beyond the classroom. Jackson’s mentor continues to build a strong relationship with his family, supporting his grandmother as a partner in his education. When she needed help navigating the school conference sign up process, his mentor provided guidance and attended the conference alongside her.
Jackson’s teacher recently shared that he has made the equivalent of two years of academic and social progress in just a few months since beginning his mentoring relationship. His story is a powerful reminder that long-term mentorship, paired with strong family partnership, can create meaningful change for a child, a caregiver, and an entire school community.