Our stories

Two young men’s strong bond, in good times and bad

Mason* has spent most of his teenage years going between out-of-home care and custody.

He’s no longer in contact with his family and finds it difficult to maintain positive relationships.

Mason was referred to our Stand As One mentoring program to help him prepare for his release and transition back into the community.

Mason said he would like a mentor and agreed he needed the support, however, was anxious to meet someone new alone and asked if the SHINE for Kids team member he felt comfortable with, Tanya, could sit in.

Concerns were short-lived however as from their first visit, Mason and his mentor Paul (pictured) hit it off!

They talked about many things, discovering they shared an interest in trail bike riding and mechanics.

Mason was incredibly nervous to meet Paul alone for his second visit but went ahead with it anyway and was super proud of himself afterwards.

Paul, who is studying Psychological Science, has a calm, friendly disposition which has helped Mason feel comfortable.

Eventually, the time came for Mason to be released and the two met up in the community for lunch. Paul helped Mason update his resume and apply for work.

Unfortunately, Mason reoffended and returned to custody.

Upon hearing this news, Paul made sure that he had a visit booked as soon as possible with Mason and wanted him to know that as his mentor, he would not judge him or give up on him.

Through consistency of contact, Paul and Mason have built a solid rapport and a sound foundation of trust.

“Now that trust has been built … I’d like to be of assistance and guidance to Mason … As a mentor, I want to see the best possible outcomes for him.

It has been great to strengthen our relationship and give him an outlet of someone to talk to regularly … moving forward I’d like to support Mason to flourish where I can.”

Paul and Mason continue to meet and talk regularly on the phone to work on goals together.

It’s wonderful to see the positive impact a mentor is having in this young person’s life.

-By Tanya Macfie, SHINE for Kids

Thank you to Gilbert + Tobin Lawyers who fund Stand As One. 

Donate to support our work with young people in juvenile justice