Empowering Youth to Lead.

First Serve has influenced my life in many ways. I had access to a post secondary success coach who helped me choose a path for college when I was undecided. The supportive community among the staff and mentors creates an environment where everyone feels like a big family, always ready to lend a helping hand. Another way that First Serve has made me a better person is by showing me the importance of reflection. Through this experience each week, I gained a deeper understanding of myself, my emotions, and actions, and how all of that influences others.

Elvins L.

Through First Serve I learned about the enneagram personality types and found that as the key to becoming a more social person. Through learning personality types I was able to understand myself better and those around me. I credit First Serve for making me a better leader, learning life skills, and how to manage my finances.

Francesa O.

Working with younger kids showed me how important patience, encouragement and communications skills are in this environment. Seeing the students improve and become more comfortable around me made the experience more fulfilling. The program also taught me the importance of being someone others can look up to and trust. I will continue to use these skills throughout college and into my future career. First Serve has helped me to grow into a more confident and responsible person.

Haylah R.

First Serve was there for me. They helped me with Plan A and now currently with Plan B. I am so glad that they had my back, gave me strength, trust and care. Whenever I start to doubt, I look back at where I started, and I am reminded of the support that helped me get to this point in my life. So, thank you, First Serve, for being the bridge to the next chapter. I'm grateful you are still there.

Louis B.

I have been a part of the First Serve family for a very long time, first as a mentee and now as a mentor. First Serve has given me many opportunities to grow both academically and personally. The program has given me a warm environment where I was able to build many meaningful relationships, not only with the children, but with the mentors and the First Serve staff. I am going to college to become a high school History teacher, and I plan to come back to my community and be an example of what happens when you pursue an education. I am confident I can turn my passion for teaching history into reality and create a successful future for myself and my community.

Paulo L.

First Serve gave me more than just a paycheck. It gave me a safe space where I could be myself, where I felt supported and understood. It surrounded me with a strong and caring community that helped me navigate not only my professional growth but also my personal healing. This program has played a tremendous role in shaping the person I am today, and I am deeply grateful for every individual who has been part of that journey.

Albert D.

If someone was in the same place I was when I started, maybe unsure of themselves, needing a little direction, or just looking for people who care, I would definitely recommend First Serve. It's not just about mentoring and learning. It's about becoming the best version of yourself with people who genuinely want to see you succeed.

Janell C.

[This] program has reinforced the importance of compassion, and determination. I'm thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a transformative program, and] I'm committed to applying everything I've learned to the next chapter of my life.” “I want the next generation to realize their full potential, to never let anything stop them, to always keep a positive, proactive head on their shoulders no matter what the challenge...

Janessa R.

First Serve was a magnifying glass for me... [In the program] we'd be asked questions which made us look beyond how we portray ourselves on the outside, diving into the inner emotions that most people would hold back from speaking of, because they don't feel heard or seen.

Leslie D.

[Through First Serve] I gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of working with children. I learned to understand their wants and needs, providing not only care but also guidance and education... working with children is far from a simple task; it requires patience, empathy, and the ability to think on my feet... These experiences have not only shaped my approach to my work but have also influenced my personal growth and development.

Tahmire F.

[First Serve] has served as a cornerstone for my personal and academic development. [It] has been instrumental in fostering my communication skills, particularly in my interactions with my peers. Through [the program] I have learned the importance of effective communication and have gained the confidence to express myself both emotionally and me.

Misael