2024’s Awardees: A Mentorship Built on Trust and Growth
THRU Project accepts nominations from volunteers and participants each year for the Elaine Andries Hartle Mentor of the Year Award and the Cecilia Ormond Fostering Hope Award. This year was special because it was the first year a mentor and mentee who were matched won the award. Our 2024 awardees are Patrick Miller, the Elaine Andries Hartle Mentor of the Year Award, and Anyaondi Tsatenawa, Anyaondi Tsatenawa, receiving the Cecilia Ormond Fostering Hope Award.
When Anyaondi was first introduced to his mentor, Patrick, he wasn’t sure what to expect. Transitioning out of foster care and into adulthood, Anyaondi faced challenges that many young people know all too well—navigating uncertainty, seeking stability, and learning how to carve out a future on his own. But in Patrick, he discovered more than just a mentor; he found a confidant, a guide, and a true friend who listened without judgment.
Over the last year and a half, their relationship has blossomed into something meaningful. “Patrick is really good at encouraging me to break barriers,” Anyaondi reflects, acknowledging how their bond has become an essential part of his life. Whether discussing school, work, or the complexities of life, Patrick’s steady support has created a space where he can be his authentic self—vulnerable, ambitious, and open to growth.
Through Patrick’s mentorship, Anyaondi has gained clarity and confidence in shaping his future. Their conversations often revolve around career aspirations, personal development, and the practical steps Anyaondi can take to reach his goal of becoming a chemical engineer. This isn’t a mentorship focused on quick fixes or simple answers—it’s a partnership grounded in long-term growth, where Anyaondi learns to tackle challenges head-on, armed with resilience and determination.
For Patrick, the experience of being Anyaondi’s mentor has been equally rewarding. He speaks with pride about Anyaondi’s perseverance, “I’m hard-pressed to think of another young person who’s shown as much grit and resilience as Anyaondi,” Patrick says, reflecting on their shared journey. For Patrick, mentoring has not only been about teaching but also about learning—learning patience, understanding, and the profound impact of simply being there.
Their journey together perfectly embodies what the THRU Project stands for: giving young adults like Anyaondi a mentor who provides not just advice, but genuine connection and encouragement. The impact of that relationship is immeasurable. As they approach their two-year milestone, Anyaondi and Patrick’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of mentorship. It’s not just about check-ins or advice—it’s about cultivating a relationship that nurtures growth, resilience, and hope for the future. Anyaondi’s journey is his own, but with Patrick by his side, he knows he doesn’t have to walk it alone.
