Last week, I announced the Bishop Maginn High School Refugee Mentor program, a new and personal way to help these amazing refugee children.

Thanks to the score of wonderful people who replied instantly. Our moral revolution is underway.

I want to say that one doesn’t need to have or spend a lot of money to be a mentor. These children rarely ask for anything, usually, it’s a teacher or school administrator who spots the need.

At The Army Of Good, we specialize in small acts of great kindness – shoes, a sweater, a jacket in the winter, a book, or some school supplies.  Mostly, caring and moral support.

We’re not about big money.

There are lots of language and other communication issues with these children, but the school is working out a safe and simple way for the mentors to communicate with them.

Some have no computer technology, others speak very little English. Much of the time, the teachers or Sue Silverstein can speak to them and for them.

I have always found a way, and I have come to love and admire these children.

This isn’t about throwing a lot of money around, although sometimes there are small needs. We are thinking of someone who can give advice and keep an eye on them.

It’s about love and support and encouragement and reminding them that there are good people out there who love them and welcome them, that is what the real America is all about.

There are many ways to help these children, from kind words to some tuition help to advice about applying to college.

I was blown about by the messages and volunteers that came to me: a retired Duke University professor, a volunteer at a college International House, a pediatrician, a police officer, two ministers, a retired couple, both teachers.

“I would love to be able to listen to the needs of a high school child to offer suggestions and advice if needed, just be a listener, and encourage them to follow their aspirations,” said Jeanne

We would love to have you, Jeanne.

Donald worked for 40 years in engineering and Information Technology (you would be surprised to learn how many of these refugee kids want to be engineers or work in IT). Donald will be a perfect mentor for Bishop Maginn students.

Chris is a high school English teacher at a private Christian school, she’s taught college and pre-school. “I am the 52-year-old mother of a 9-year-old and I want her to grow up in a kinder, gentler, nation, so it is up to her parents to model generosity and mercy and love.”

Blessings to you Chris, you are the mentor of my dreams, you are what I hoped for. I wish I’d had a mentor like you when I was young. I wouldn’t mind having a mentor like you now! 🙂

Kim is working at home now, she is eager to help heal America and the hate that has surfaced in so many disturbing ways in recent years.

Those are just a few of the mentors who wrote to me.  I believe the recent election turmoil and worry have sparked a moral and compassionate renewal. I feel it in these messages. We seek a kinder, gentler,  generous, and moral America.

Sue Silverstein and Principal Mike Tolan and I will be meeting this week to figure out exactly how this should work. We plan on starting small and building, depending on how it goes.

Anyone who wishes to be a mentor can e-mail me or Sue Silverstein at Bishop Maginn High School – [email protected] or [email protected].

We will get back to you quickly.

I think this is a wonderful idea and it will take our work to a higher and even more meaningful level.

Our work is not just about money, although we do need some of that. These kids need to know how real America feels about them being here.

Thanks so much. I’m very excited about this program, I’ve been scheming about it for a couple of years. Now is the time.