Student-run service and advocacy organizations Best Buddies, Child at Heart and Pals Student Mentors have left their mark in the Grand Rapids area, but often the smaller stories of personal success go unnoticed.

Participants in the Best Buddies program spend one-on-one time with people who have intellectual disabilities. The people served range in age from 18 to 23 and come from organizations dedicated to serving people with disabilities.

“You always go into something thinking you are going to affect someone else’s life,” said Laura Berry, president of Best Buddies.

Berry joined the program last year and was matched with Alicia, a 22-year-old. They bonded from the start, she said. Alicia taught Berry acceptance.

Many people the program serves are developed mentally to a certain age, but all understand their “college buddies.” Berry said Alicia wants to be happy and have friends.

“How they view the world is so special,” Berry said. “We take it for granted.”

Michele Lutke is a second-year volunteer in Pals Student Mentors. Pals provides mentors to at-risk youth in several Grand Rapids Public Schools.

Lutke mentors 10-year-old Tonaja, who had several other mentors who did not return.

“She was surprised when I did come back,” Lutke said.

At first, Tonaja tested Lutke by asking questions about what Lutke would do in certain situations. Lutke said Tonaja was afraid her mentor would leave. This year, she is opening up.

Tonaja likes to go to Lutke’s apartment or ice skate at Rosa Parks Circle. Lutke said the first time they went ice-skating last year, Tonaja was afraid she would fall, but Lutke held her hand.

“She said, ‘You didn’t let go, and I didn’t fall,’” Lutke recounted. “It was our first development of trust.”

Although it is not a student organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters also provides role models for children. In school-based mentoring, volunteers go into the schools and tutor children.

GVSU student Chris McNally mentors Xavier through community-based mentoring. He picks up Xavier twice a month for two hours. McNally started BBBS a few months ago, but he said Xavier is warming up to him quickly. So far, they have attended a Detroit Pistons basketball game and plan on going to Craig’s Cruisers.

“The more often you meet and do activities together, the closer you get,” McNally said.

Child at Heart also works with children, but on a less personal level. The group does outreach events, said president Kirstin Clayton. Many members volunteer at the Children’s Enrichment Center and Kids Food Basket.

At the Art Walk in Grand Haven over the summer, Child at Heart did “Canvases for Kids.” They provided the supplies and helped the children complete their masterpieces.

“When I go to events, I look for the smile children have that brightens everyone’s day,” Clayton said.

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