02/09/2026
Last week, I had the incredible honor of traveling to Washington, DC for the second year in a row to attend Capitol Hill Training, Capitol Hill Day, and the MENTOR National Mentoring Summit. It was an exhausting, fast paced week but one that was deeply meaningful and rewarding in every possible way.
Capitol Hill Day is not just a visit to the Capitol. It is a chance to sit face to face with lawmakers and advocates and speak up for mentoring programs and the youth who rely on them every single day. It is a chance to remind decision makers that mentoring is not optional. It is life changing. Without funding and continued support, many mentoring programs would be forced to shut their doors, leaving young people without safe spaces, trusted adults, and consistent encouragement when they need it most.
It was also great going to Capitol Hill Day alongside the other four Ohio participants. Jessica Bloomingdale and Megan Kilner from The Mentoring Collaborative of Montgomery County, and Laurie Moline and Isaiah Smith from MentorStark. Out of the entire state of Ohio, only five people participated in Capitol Hill Day this year, which made the experience even more meaningful and impactful. Both of their programs are doing incredible work in their communities and making a real difference in the lives of youth they serve.
Being in a room filled with people from across the country who dedicate their lives to mentoring was incredibly powerful. These are people who truly understand the work. The victories, the heartbreaks, the long days, and the constant fight to keep programs going. So often, the outside world only sees the success stories. What they do not always see are the challenges. The stress of securing funding, the emotional weight of walking alongside youth who have experienced trauma, loss, and instability, and the responsibility of ensuring every program remains high quality, intentional, and impactful.
Mentoring is not easy work. It takes time, heart, patience, and persistence. It takes showing up even when resources are limited. It takes believing in young people even when they struggle to believe in themselves. And it takes fighting every single day to make sure no child slips through the cracks simply because support was not available.
This trip reminded me exactly why I do this work. It gave me new ideas, new perspectives, and renewed motivation to continue growing Marion Mentors. To do better, reach farther, and serve our youth more effectively. I do not take this responsibility lightly. Advocating for our youth, learning how to strengthen our programs, and bringing back tools to better support our community is something I carry with me long after the trip ends.
The mentoring movement matters. Our youth matter. And I will continue to fight for them, advocate for them, and show up for them because no young person deserves to be left behind.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a mentor and helping support the youth in our community, please reach out to me.
Toy Pendleton
Director of Teen & Youth Development
[email protected]
740.725.9622 ext. 135
