In 2022, Josh started searching for ways to contribute more to the community. He wanted to help others and discover more about himself in the process.

Josh and his partner Eshani are both Braid mentors.

After witnessing his partner, Eshani, mentor with Braid Mission for several years, he finally made the jump to join a Braid Team himself. He was placed with a team mentoring twin brothers.

Like many mentors, he initially felt unsure about what he could offer these brothers or how to connect. But his group quickly found a common passion: soccer.

“Initially, it was hard to connect with [my mentees] because the only shared interest we had was soccer, but it’s been really rewarding connecting with them through soccer, and just having a lot of fun with them,” he says.

Part of the beauty of the Braid model is the team approach to mentoring. The responsibility of mentoring youth doesn’t all fall on Josh; he can rely on his teammates, and together they work to serve as role models for youth in foster care.

“Having [my teammate] Cyril has been really amazing because he knows a lot more about soccer, which the boys are interested in,” Josh says. “Soccer has become a big big thing for them.”

The sport of soccer and love of playful competition has woven this Braid team together in such a meaningful way over the past two years. Something as simple as passing a ball back and forth allowed deep connections to form.

“It’s mainly been about giving them a space and some role models that they can look up to,” says Josh.

Have you found yourself in Josh’s shoes? Desiring to connect with the community and help others, but unsure of where to start or how to develop impactful relationships?

Becoming a Braid mentor has a profound impact on youth in the foster care system and a profound impact on the mentors’ lives as well.

The ball is in your court—will you become a Braid Mentor today?

We’re here to answer any questions and give you next steps!