With Dignity

Tykim never knew his father. When he was 10 years old, his mother was arrested. He was cared for by his grandmother who, at the suggestion of his absent mother, wanted to find him a mentor. Fortunately, she arranged a mentorship with New York City Mission Society, which matches caring adults from community and faith-based organizations with children who have lost parents to incarceration.

Dr. Lydell Lettsome, a surgeon, and Tykim were comfortable with each other right from the start. Tykim talked about sports and shared his interest in basketball and swimming. During their time together, they found out that they had so much in common, and they enjoyed talking and giving each other advice. Lydell stressed the importance of achieving in school and pursuing a college education. He knew from his own experience that a good education was a path out of poverty. Tykim was very impressed, and he took Lydell's advice to heart. His grades improved from a C+ to an A average, and he looked forward to starting high school with a newfound enthusiasm. Because Lydell cared, Tykim began to care as well.

After three years, their relationship continues to flourish. At Mission Society's 2008 Champions for Children luncheon, Tykim joined Dr. Lettsome at the podium, as he accepted our Mission Accomplished award for his dedicated work as a mentor. Tykim delighted the guests with his candid and relaxed manner. He said, "Lydell is outgoing, friendly and a fun person. He is very caring. I think of him as a parent, like the father I never had." Tykim is now a freshman in high school and is in regular contact with his friend and mentor.

The need to support children who experience the loss of a parent due to incarceration is vital, and the strong bond developed between Tykim and Dr. Lettsome demonstrates the success Mission Society achieves through our special mentoring program. Tykim hopes that one day he will become a mentor to a child in need.