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At Persevere, we’ve learned that the most powerful kind of mentorship often comes from those who have walked similar roads, those who have faced the darkness, climbed out of it, and now shine a light for others. Many of our mentors and volunteers are in recovery themselves. They know what it feels like to start over, to rebuild trust, to believe in something again, especially yourself.

There’s an instant connection that happens when two people share that kind of story. The walls come down. The conversations are real. Healing begins.

It’s not so different from the world of technology. In tech, most of us start at the bottom, learning, breaking things, fixing them again, and growing stronger with each mistake. Those who rise to the top rarely forget where they came from. They remember the long nights, the self-doubt, the small victories, and because of that, they have a deep desire to help others find their way too.

A Story of Hope and Perseverance

After serving time, one of our students joined Persevere with a dream to build a new life and learn something that could open doors they thought were permanently closed. They didn’t know much about technology at first, but what they did have was determination. They showed up early, stayed late, and asked questions until everything started to click.

Their mentor, who had also walked a journey of recovery and redemption, saw not just potential but perseverance. They believed so deeply in their student that when the program ended, they personally reached out to their network to advocate for that first job in tech.

Today, that student is thriving, rebuilding their life one line of code at a time, and now mentoring others who are walking the same path they once did.

“I didn’t think someone like me could ever belong in this world,” they said. “But my mentor showed me that my past doesn’t define my future. Now, I get to help others see that too.”

Your Time Can Change a Life

Not everyone can give financially, and that’s okay. Your time is just as valuable. Giving your time means giving hope. It means being that voice that says, “I believe in you.” It means showing compassion in a world that often turns away from those who need it most.

When you volunteer or mentor, you don’t just change someone else’s life, you change your own.

So if you’ve ever wondered how you can make an impact, start here. Give your time. Give your heart. Give compassion. Someone out there is waiting for a mentor like you.

Interested in mentoring or volunteering? Reach out to Emma Graham at egraham@perseverenow.org.