Eli, 19, Anchor Mentors
Eli and his Anchor have eaten breakfast together every other Saturday for two years
A retired firefighter and a teenager who didn't trust adults. It took eight months before Eli said more than ten words.
Ron never pushed. He just kept showing up. Eventually I figured he wasn't going anywhere.
When Eli was matched with his mentor, Ron, he had just left a group home and told our staff he didn't need anyone.
Ron, a retired Charlotte firefighter, started with pancakes at the same diner every other Saturday. For months, Eli mostly ate and listened.
Two years later, Eli has his GED, a job at a bike shop, and a plan to apply to Central Piedmont's automotive program. Ron helped him buy his first set of tools.
They still meet at the same diner. Eli picks up the check now, every other time.
Shared with Eli's permission. Some details have been changed to protect privacy.