YAD b’yad is a program where Jewish adult volunteers act as mentors, companions, and role models to a Jewish child from a single-parent home. The relationship strengthens the family by enriching their lives with an additional adult influence.
Robbie
There’s no substitute for a father—
but there can always be a role model.
Rachel Carson once said, “If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder… he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.” A person’s self-image and attitude is most malleable as a child. An adult mentor is an essential part of any child’s growing up. They teach children about life, morals, and people; they provide comfort and support; but most importantly, a good mentor is a good friend.
Robbie is the brightest, most outgoing eleven year-old around. His performance in school is outstanding; his musical prowess is beyond his years, with his induction into the school Honors Chorus and summers spent at Rock Camp; his interests in sports, technology, and pop culture far exceed the norm for anyone his age. Robbie lives with his mother and is a part of the YAD b’yad program. His father passed away when he was eight years old.
Robbie and his big YAD, Jeff, are inseparable. They go fishing, they go to the movies, they go out to eat. They are like two old friends who simply enjoy one another’s company. So much admiration can be found in Robbie’s voice when he talks about his mentor. “Jeff is all the time fun,” says Robbie. “He’s always been there for me. And it makes me feel pretty good.” Jeff goes to Robbie’s school functions and is always pushing him in the right direction. Jeff helps to fill the void that was created in Robbie’s life since the death of his father. In fact, one of Robbie’s favorite things to do with Jeff is to have “man fun.” And just what is that? In Robbie’s terms: “It’s no moms nagging us!”
Jeff provides Robbie with advice and support. But Robbie gives back to Jeff, too. They talk about their lives and their problems; they learn as much about each other as they do about themselves. YAD b’yad provides Robbie not only an important male influence, but also a close friend.
