- Education
- Volunteers
Seventy-three-year-old retired businessman Paul Sonnenblick volunteered with students in San Francisco’s public schools for a couple of years, so when he learned about JFCS’ mentoring program during a tour of the agency, he jumped at the opportunity to be of service.
“I like working with kids,” says Paul, “and the 10-year-old JFCS assigned me to is such a delight and smart as a whip.” Paul reviews homework and school assignments with Steven, a 5th grade student, and he uses computer games as a springboard to discuss a wide array of issues and to boost his student’s writing and speaking abilities. With the consent of Steven’s mom, a single parent, he also has taken him to the zoo, the aquarium, a Giants game, and the Exploratorium. “I couldn’t drag him out of the insect room,” says Paul. “We just have a lot of fun together, and he loves my jokes.
“I’m trying to bring Steven out of his shell,” continues Paul. “I see him growing up and becoming a very intelligent young man with a bright future.