When Valentin was first introduced to Miguel* and his family, it wasn’t an easy moment. Miguel was being raised by his grandmother, struggling with behavioral challenges, and at risk of being held back in school. Like many caregivers before them, the family worried this would be just one more call focused on what Miguel was doing wrong.

Instead, Valentin did what professional mentors do best—he listened.

He asked about goals. Not just for Miguel, but for the whole family. One answer stood out: “I want him to be better than me. I want him to be successful,” shared by Miguel’s father, who had recently returned home after incarceration.

From day one, Valentin made sure Miguel knew he wasn’t alone—and that his mentor was a trusted partner to his family, too. Through consistent presence and advocacy, Valentin helped secure IEPs for both Miguel and his sister, connected Miguel to behavioral health services, and even ensured he could attend a behavioral health summer camp.

Today, the trust between Valentin and Miguel’s grandmother is strong. The progress is real. And the future looks different—because one professional mentor showed up, asked the right questions, and stayed.

That’s the power of professional mentoring.

*Youth name changed to protect privacy.