By Laurie Tarter, Program Director, Mentoring Solutions

Kelly Counts-Cadreau has been a supporter of Winning Futures ever since she graduated from the program in 1996 as a high school student.  A program of Mentoring Solutions, Winning Futures is a school-based mentoring program for 3rd through 12th grade youth rooted in teaching character values, goal setting and strategic planning.  Kelly never thought that her enrollment in Winning Futures those many years ago would result in full-time employment. 

Hamilton Chevrolet is a sponsor of the Winning Futures program, and Kelly’s mentor owned the dealership. In 1997, Kelly was given an employment opportunity to sell cars at the dealership by her mentor and decided it was worth a shot.   Now, 10 years since that job offer, Kelly is still employed at the dealership and currently serves as Assistant Sales Manager.  Over the years, she has credited the success skills received from Winning Futures as instrumental in helping her achieve her goals both personally and professionally.  Kelly has earned “Sales Leader of the Year” on numerous occasions and has moved up the ranks within Hamilton Chevrolet at lightening speed. 

“Winning Futures is a big part of my life and I’ve always made my thanks well known to this program,” said Kelly.  “I wouldn't be where I am today without the special efforts of my mentor.   Those people close to me know how I feel about the chance I was given.” 

Kelly experienced first hand the benefits of having a mentor as well as the success tools the program provided. She decided 10 years ago that by staying involved through mentoring she would be able to give back to the community and school that have given her so much.  Kelly began her mentoring career as a teen mentor to sixth graders, and in 2001 began mentoring high school students at her alma mater at the age of 24.

“This program does not end at graduation,” Kelly pointed out.  “I feel as though that is just when it started.  I have had the opportunity to speak to many students about my success with the program, and that is my way of showing appreciation.”
In 2007, Kelly received the honor of Mentor of the Year for her work as a mentor through the very program from which she graduated.  Not only does she generously donate her time, knowledge and listening ear to her mentees, she also spends time recruiting and fundraising for the program.  Kelly is a true success story of the program and has taken her experience as a mentee full circle.

For more information about Winning Futures and other programs of Mentoring Solutions, visit www.mentoringsolutions.org.