Our Youth Mentors in Hope Junior are an essential part of the program. The cohort of college-age young people not only help with day-to-day operations like room setup, and meal preparation, they play a critical role in the social and emotional development of the children. Through conflict resolution, one-on-one mentoring, and coaching, the Youth Mentors build positive relationships to help motivate and inspire the children in Hope Junior.
Antoinette Cox
“I have been a part of Hope Jr. since I was 6 years old and my entire family grew up at Marillac. I attend Harold Washington City College, and in 2 years, plan to have my degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Social Work. I enjoy working for Marillac and being able to give back to the children of Marillac and my community.”
Kevon Clemons
“I have been at Marillac all my life, since pre-k. I just graduated from high school and will be attending Alabama A&M University in the fall majoring in Business Management and minoring in Communication. I hope to become a real estate agent in the future.”
Lexus Taylor
“I grew up in the Hope Jr. program and have worked with Hope Jr. for 3 years. I’m currently graduating with my Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts. I enjoy giving back to my community and believe that perseverance is key to my everyday activities and challenges.”
Rajay Montgomery
“I have worked at Marillac for 4-5 years. I recently graduated from John Marshall High School and am also a young businessman with my own clothing line. I will attend Mississippi Valley State University in the fall of 2019.”
Marquiesha Grant
“I have been a part of Marillac St. Vincent for 20 years as a participant and 8 years as a staff member. I think that Hope Jr. is an essential program! I dedicate myself to the children’s safety, community awareness, and always try and teach them new things. In my down time I love to drown myself in music and food!”
Vincente Taylor
“I have been working for Hope Jr. for many years. I am the youth coach and one of the mentors in the program. I enjoy interacting with the kids every day. Marillac is a big extension of my family. I love this place and this program with all my heart. If you see me on the street, the court, or at a restaurant, ask me about Hope Jr!”
Jadari Ames
“I grew up in the Hope Jr. program. I have volunteered with Marillac for several years now and I enjoy being a leader. This year will be my first time working in the summer.”
Brittney Lee
“I started at Marillac in the After School Matters program. In the Fall of 2018, I became a counselor for Hope Jr. I enjoy engaging in activities with the kids and playing tag, basketball, and video games. I am a senior at Lane Tech College Prep and plan on attending Howard University and majoring in Criminal Justice.”
Tyerrius Russell
“I am currently a student at Mississippi Valley University. I’ve been a staff member at Marillac for 4 years. I like to play basketball, football, and lift weights in my free time.”
Kareemah Crump Martin
“I attend Eastern Illinois University and work as a Youth Mentor in Hope Jr. I also mentor in Mount Sinai’s Mayor’s Mentoring Program and am a volunteer consultant with their Administrative Support team. I am a family woman and I love my son (dog). I specialize in changing the perspectives of children throughout the community. Promoting change is the ultimate goal in the end.”
Semaj Wise
“I’m from the west side of Chicago and attended Spencer Technology Academy and Grammar School and graduated in 2012. Then I went to Legal Prep Charter Academy and graduated in 2016. I am currently working on my Associates at Harold Washington College. I consider myself a role model to the kids at Hope Jr. because the kids look up to me. Every day at work, I try to do my best even when I struggle because I know that everybody makes mistakes.”
Tyshawn Lewis
“I’ve been working at Marillac for 2 years now. I just graduated from Michele Clark High School. My favorite color is blue and my favorite sport is basketball.”
Teshara Winters
“I have been a participant in Hope Jr. since I was 7 years old and have worked here for 4 years. I’m currently a college student at Western Illinois University studying Psychology in the hopes of continuing to positively impact young children. Ms. Maureen, Ms. Deanna, Ms. Grant, and the Marillac Family have been a part of my life since before I was born. My family has grown up in the MSV program for generations and continue to volunteer and work here."
Jacari Brown
“I’ve been working at MSV for 2-3 years. I like to play video games, football, and bond with my fellow Youth Counselors.”
Markavius Ross
“I came up through the Marillac program. I am now a junior at Mississippi Valley University and play both football and basketball.”
Brianna Lee
“I’m originally from Chicago and have been working with Hope Jr. for 3 years now. I will be attending a Chicago City College in the fall, majoring in nursing. I enjoy dancing and hope to one day become a registered nurse.”
Ebony Austin
“I have been working for Hope Jr. for a year now as the bus monitor for the program. I plan to keep impacting the kids in the program and teach as many of them as possible.”
Janae Brown
“I grew up in the MSV program and have been a Youth Mentor for Hope Jr. for 2 years. I attended Benedict College majoring in Biology and hope to finish up my college years at Western Illinois University starting this fall.”