Stacey & Angelina

I was in a tough place when I met Stacey. Life at home was unstable—my mom was a single parent to eight kids, and she had her own struggles. With so many of us in the house, I often felt invisible. I was skipping school, out in the streets, and heading down a dark path. I was referred to Friends for Youth through a mental health specialist while I was at Gateway in San Mateo, probably around 10th or 11th grade. That’s when I met Stacey—and everything started to shift.

From the very beginning, Stacey showed up for me—literally and emotionally. She was consistent, dependable, and kind. If she said she’d be there Thursday at 5 p.m., she was. That kind of reliability was something I wasn’t used to. My sister had a mentor who always canceled, so I knew how lucky I was to have someone like Stacy who kept her promises. That trust came quickly, and with it came a connection that changed my life.

We didn’t have to do anything fancy—just being with her, talking, having someone really listen to me, meant the world. But she also created beautiful moments I’ll never forget. For my 15th or 16th birthday, she, her husband, and his family took me to Buca di Beppo to celebrate. I’d never had a real birthday party before. I was the fifth of eight kids—celebrations like that just didn’t happen. But she made sure I felt seen, bringing me little gifts from her trips, helped me apply for jobs, and took me to Cirque du Soleil. She introduced me to her world, and I felt welcome in it. I even met her in-laws and her husband’s twin brother. They made me feel like I belonged.

Stacey helped shape who I am. Looking back, she was so young then—living on her own, working, building a life. She didn’t have kids yet, but I could already tell she’d be an amazing mom. The way she carried herself inspired me. She showed me what was possible. She wasn’t just a mentor—she was an example. She helped me believe I could break the cycle I was born into.

When I got pregnant as a teen, we eventually lost touch. But I carried everything she taught me with me. I graduated high school with my daughter in my arms. I didn’t want to work just any job—I wanted to make a difference. I went to college for a year, but when my daughter, a preemie, got sick, I shifted paths. After sharing my story, I was given the opportunity to work at Homeless Prenatal. It was tough to get in, but that was the start of a 19-year journey in nonprofits.

"She wasn’t just a mentor—she was an example. She helped me believe I could break the cycle I was born into."

-Mentee Angelina

I’ve worked as a 911 dispatcher, a communications tech—but I always found my way back to helping people. I’ve spent my life working with underserved communities because I was one of those kids once. I’ve talked to young girls about making their own choices, about survival, about hope. I like to remind them, I instill in them: “You’re not alone.”

My daughter saved my life. But so did Stacey. She showed me what strength and compassion look like. She made me want more for myself and for my children. I’ve raised them without ever having to rely on the system, and all my nieces and nephews are now college graduates. We are cycle breakers. And I wouldn’t change a thing.

One of my favorite memories with Friends for Youth was when her and I took a Polaroid photo together at the Redwood City office. It’s a small thing, but it holds a lot of meaning.

To anyone considering becoming a mentor, I say: do it. It’s rewarding on both ends. You might not even realize the ripple effect you’re creating—but trust me, it’s powerful. One day, I want to be a mentor too—once my youngest is a bit older.

Stacey, if you ever read this:

Thank you. You helped me more than you’ll ever know. And although we haven’t stayed in touch, I’ll always carry our friendship in my heart.