ONE CHILD, ONE MENTOR AND 30 MINUTES CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.
Our Mission: To make a difference in a child's life through mentoring
COMING SOON - BBGR8
"My mentor helped me believe I could do anything - even when I messed up."
- 5th grade student
"Before I met my mentor, I didn't think anyone really listened to me"
- 6th grade student
REAL STORIES. REAL CHANGE.
"Kevin never used to smile. Now he does."
His 3rd grade teacher.
At U Matter 365, we believe that mentorship isn't just about guidance - it's about connection, confidence, and belonging. The stories below come from real people who have experienced the power of mentorship firsthand: students who've grown, mentors who've found purpose and educators who've seen transformation in their classrooms.
"The difference in my student was night and day. Once he started meeting with his mentor, his confidence grew, his attitude improved, and he began turning in assignments on time." -Ms. Peterson, 5th grade teacher
10,080 - 30 = 10,050
"Ethan said he used to love coming to school because of his math class - now he loves coming to school because of his mentor." His 4th grade teacher
"Mentoring has changed my life. From the very first day as a mentor, when I thought I was neither qualified nor the right fit for this program, I quickly learned that the most important part of this relationship with a child was just being there. Be there - means you don’t need advanced graduate degrees, or special qualifications, or experience of any kind. Just be there. Be there - for a child who has had too many adults ignore them or not keep their promises or just give them a new electronics gadget in hopes that they would just go into their room and play. Just be there. Be there - every week for just 30 minutes, to share lunch with someone who needs to know that they matter and that you care. Some weeks we would play cards and talk about school, other weeks I would help with some school work, or sometimes we would just play with a ball to see how long we could bounce it back and forth without missing (the record is 156 bounces, in case you were wondering). No matter what we did, or how many times I lost at UNO, it was the most worthwhile 30 minutes of my week. After 3 years in this program with the same child, I have seen an amazing change in his confidence level, his focus, and his ability to make friends his own age….all things that were not there when we first started. All from just being there."
Jim Claugherty - Former Top Gun pilot
"Dean didn’t just mentor me — he believed in me at a time when almost no one else did. I met him in 7th grade, and from the very beginning, he saw something in me that others overlooked. While the world tried to dim my light, Dean protected it. He never told me to shrink my dreams or be more “realistic.” Instead, he encouraged me to dream even bigger — to own my uniqueness, to lead with purpose, and to chase what felt impossible.
He listened — truly listened — in a way that made me feel heard, seen, and valued. He showed up with consistency, patience, and wisdom that I didn’t even know I needed. He helped shape my confidence, my character, and my vision for the future.
To this day, Dean is still in my life. He recently came to one of my shows, and we continue to stay in touch — supporting and uplifting each other like we always have. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today without his presence in my life.
Dean is the kind of mentor every young person deserves — someone who believes in your light, reminds you of your worth, and walks beside you while you figure it all out. I’m forever grateful for him. Thank you for everything Dean."
John Wisner - Tarpon High Graduate - Founder and CEO of 1of None
"She tells me every week that I matter. And I believe her now."
- 5th grade student
BE THE CHANGE THAT YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD
"I used to skip school all the time. My mentor gave me a reason to show up." - 10th grade student
REAL STORIES
"30 minutes a week can make a huge impact on a child's life, socially and emotionally. Something as simple as packing your lunch and playing a card game or just a simple conversation about what they did over the weekend is all it takes."
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- Alisha R., Elementary Family Community Liaison
"He didn't judge me for my past. He helped me write a better story for my future." -11th grade student
"I had the privilege of being one of Dean’s mentees. He gave me the support and guidance needed to find myself and figure out what I wanted to do with my future. He gave me ideas and questions that allowed me to find the answers I had been looking for in myself, not to mention the wonderful casual conversations we had about movies, games, and especially food. He is truly an inspiration and one of the best mentors any kid could ask for."
Jean Matthew - Tarpon High Graduate
​"The mentor didn't just impact the student - he changed the classroom. His mentee started helping others, showing empathy, and even volunteering to lead group work." - Ms. Sanders, High School Math Teacher
"My mentor Nancy is so cool! She comes to
have lunch with me on Wednesday. She used to mentor my sister as well and I was so excited that she became my mentor too. We would do so much, play games, do crafts, color so many things."
I love Mrs. Nancy.
- Anna
"Jackson is a shy kid, but then the school paired him with a mentor. He used to come home and tell me about his mentor, what they did at lunch that day, the conversation they had. He would be so excited and couldn't wait to see him again. He changed his life."
From a parent
"Because of my mentor, I finally feel like I'm not alone in the world"
- 12th grade student
"I used to be scared of kids. I would be picked on and bullied but then I met my mentor. He changed my whole look on school and people. He likes to meet me in the cafeteria so that my friends see I get to hang with someone cool. Liam 4th grade
"Kids who were often in trouble are now finding purpose. Mentors are giving them hope and direction."
- Mr. Lin, 6th grade science teacher
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