This was the first summer that Tuesday’s Children hired interns to help in various departments in our offices.  Tia Grant, a junior and varsity basketball player at Villanova University, worked in the Mentoring Department with our director Jennifer Betancourt Aparicio and our coordinator Sara Wingerath. 

"I have had a wonderful experience interning in the Mentoring Department here at Tuesdays Children, and I have learned so much throughout my time here, thanks to the wonderful and generous people that I have been working along side of," she said.  She continued by saying, "For the most part, I have been working on the application screening process for volunteers, which includes contacting references, requesting DMV checks, as well as doing background checks on the applicants, in order to better prepare their dossiers for presentation to our screening committee."

Tia has been instrumental in the Mentoring Program this summer, aiding in the process of choosing mentors for our families and helping with the events that will be taking place in the fall.  "Tia is always willing to help," said Sara, "she has so many helpful and creative suggestions that have allowed the mentoring program to continue to grow."

While helping with the advancement of our programs, Tia has seen the benefits of our Mentoring program.  "Adult role models have a huge impact on children and teenagers. Tuesday’s Children has a thorough screening process to ensure that they match young children and teenagers with the best possible mentor. Tuesday’s Children takes the time to match qualified adults with young children of similar interests so that they can build strong and lasting relationships."

Tia is a Human Services major, with a double minor in Psychology and Sociology.  She has said that working in the Mentoring department has made her realize just how rewarding it can be to work with those who need assistance.  Throughout the school year, Tia plans to stay involved with Tuesday’s Children by organizing an outing with the Tuesday’s Children families to one of her Villanova basketball games when she will be playing a game in the New York area.

Jennifer, the director of Mentoring, at Tuesday’s Children said, "Tia has been fantastic to work with and an incredible help in the Mentoring Department this summer! She has assisted with planning mentoring events for both families and mentors, increasing awareness about our program in various communities, and processing mentor applications. We wish her well at Villanova and much success for the upcoming basketball season."