When Joey, our Senior Professional Mentor, began working with Lucas*, he knew that supporting him meant building trust with his family, too.

Lucas’ mom is naturally quiet and has faced significant challenges. Joey didn’t expect her trust right away. He built it through consistency by checking in every week, sharing updates after time with Lucas and making it clear that he was there to support their family, not replace them. As a father himself, Joey shared pieces of his own story and experiences navigating difficult circumstances. He talked openly with Lucas’ family about why he does this work and why he would be a part of their son’s life for years to come.

Over time, those small interactions added up.

One week, Lucas’ mom responded to Joey’s regular check-in with unexpected and difficult news: the family was behind on rent and at risk of losing their home.

Joey knew asking for assistance could be overwhelming. Rather than simply giving her a phone number to call, he offered to go with her. He picked her up, accompanied her to organizations offering housing assistance, stood beside her as she applied, and helped the family communicate with their landlord.

Ultimately, Lucas and his family were able to stay in their home.

The experience strengthened a relationship already built on trust. When Lucas’ mom later faced another difficult period in her life, she felt comfortable telling Joey she was getting help. And when she recently landed a new full-time job, Joey was one of the first people she told.

For Joey, that trust comes from being vulnerable himself and, most importantly, showing up consistently.

At Friends – Phoenix, our mentors build relationships not only with youth, but with their families, strengthening the support and stability that help young people succeed and thrive. By building a relationship with Lucas’ whole family, Joey has become someone they know they can turn to during both the challenges and the celebrations.

That’s what it means to show up for the long haul.

*Youth name changed to protect privacy.