JENNIFER KRAUSE

Jennifer Krause is being nominated for a Daily Point of Light Award for her outstanding service as a Casey Family Programs Foster Youth Mentor. Jennifer began mentoring a foster youth on October 15, 2003. Jennifer was matched with a 16 year-old youth living in a group home in rural East San Diego County.

Foster Youth Mentors commit to mentoring a youth for 8 hours a month for 12 months. As an Aviation Boatswain Mate stationed on the John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Jennifer’s service required her to be out at sea for weeks at a time. However, she always exceeded the 8 hours per month requirement by spending extra time with her mentee when she was at home.

Jennifer provided her mentee with invaluable friendship and support. In addition to helping her mentee with homework and school assignments, Jennifer and her mentee enjoyed athletic activities, museums, movies, trips to the ship and anything beach and ocean related. Jennifer was able to alleviate some of her mentees isolation by bringing her into the city for activities and outings.

Jennifer left the Navy in August and relocated to Wisconsin. Although their formal match did not reach the 12 month mark, Jennifer had over 100 face to face hours with her mentee despite being at sea for weeks at a time. In addition, Jennifer called her mentee almost daily to check in and provide support.

In my three years of coordinating the Foster Youth Mentoring program, Jennifer has been the most committed and heartfelt mentor I have worked with. She is truly deserving of a Daily Points of Light Award.