SHA Staff

When Kathy Hardy walks into Dorman Elementary School every Thursday morning, fifth-grader Idona Dulude can’t help but feel happy.

Hardy, who is Human Resources Manager at Springfield Housing Authority, always brings a bag of goodies – in the form of games, flash cards and books – when she visits Idona. Their hour together is precious to both.

Hardy and Idona have been meeting weekly for nearly three years, as part of the Springfield School Volunteers School-Based Mentoring Program, which pairs children up with caring adults for weekly one-on-one meetings.

After three years, the partnership between Hardy and Idona has grown into a friendship. Hardy sees Idona growing up; Idona looks up to her adult friend as someone she can talk to, play games with, and sometimes, just sit and enjoy.

Idona Dulude, 11, and mentor Kathy Hardy, human services manager at Springfield Housing Authority, meet weekly at Dorman Elementary School.

On a recent visit to the school in the Pine Point neighborhood, each shared their thoughts on the success story they have become.

“Kathy always brings her blue bag,” said Idona, gesturing to the bag filled with playing cards, Scrabble, Dominos and more fun things.

“We play games,” added the 11-year-old.  “Lots of times we talk about things. We talk about what’s happening during the week. Today we talked about lunch.”

Hardy said she enjoys her time with Idona whether it be spent reading, talking, or playing games. Idona recently taught her a favorite card game called ‘Trash,’ and they’re both becoming experts though Idona invariably wins.

“I don’t know if it makes a big difference,” Hardy said. “I just really enjoy it. For me it’s a chance to get to know a young person and hopefully, make a difference in her life.”

At Springfield School Volunteers, where partnerships like this one are formed and maintained, it is a given that weekly sessions make a big difference in a child’s life. In fact, children are chosen based on their need for a caring adult such as Hardy.

“The School-Based Mentoring Program is an important intervention for students in our schools who need a trained, caring adult to encourage, guide and support them,” said Judith Kelly,  SSV program manager. “The program is aimed at developing the competence and character of the students involved.

Right now, there are 157 students matched with volunteer caring adults. The sessions are positive for the children as well as the volunteers, Kelly said.

Those interesting in volunteering can call SSV at 787-6656.

“Mentoring has been found to be of particular benefit to the students in the mentoring relationship, but our mentors report that they are sometimes surprised at how much it means to them to get to know their student and how much they take away each week from the experience,” Kelly said.

 “In speaking with our volunteers I am often struck with the depth of the bonds that are created between the mentors and the students,” she said.

Many companies, including SHA, allow employees time off work to serve as school volunteers. In fact, Hardy said she was inspired to volunteer at SHA’s annual United Way Campaign Rally, held every year in October. Kelly speaks at those meetings to help generate interest.

Hardy said she always looks forward to her visits with Idona.

“It’s fun to sit and talk with her, and to hear what’s up with her. I can see her growing up,” she said. “I just enjoy her.”

In fact, Idona is off to middle school in the fall. Hardy is hoping to visit her wherever that may be.

“I’d love to keep it going,” Hardy said.

Ditto for Idona.

“I like Kathy,” she said. “She’s giving. She’s nice. She’s a good listener. She helps me with math.”