Kenny Isaacson

Summary

Kenny Isacson, a 24-year-old child safe mentor, shares his personal experience of being in foster care from ages 15 to 19. Having faced abuse and trauma, he now works as a paramedic and mentor, using his story to help at-risk youth. Through the ChildSafe mentoring program, Kenny empowers young people, showing them that their past doesn't define their future. He emphasizes the program's positive impact, with statistics proving it reduces the likelihood of drug abuse, academic struggles, and criminal involvement. Kenny’s work aims to give youth hope, proving that success is possible despite difficult beginnings.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kenny Isacson is a 24-year-old child safe mentor who spent 3 years, 8 months, and 18 days in foster care from the ages of 15 to 19.
• 😀 Kenny experienced abuse in several foster care facilities, some of which have since been closed due to allegations of abuse.
• 😀 The scars Kenny carries, both physical and mental, continue to affect him as an adult, requiring ongoing mental health treatment.
• 😀 Kenny's work as a paramedic and child safe mentor is influenced by his past experiences in foster care.
• 😀 The ChildSafe mentoring program helps at-risk youth by providing support and guidance, decreasing the likelihood of negative outcomes.
• 😀 Statistics show that at-risk youth involved in mentoring programs are 46% less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol.
• 😀 Mentoring programs also make youth 85% more likely to perform better academically and 95% more likely to stay out of the criminal justice system.
• 😀 Kenny appreciates the ChildSafe program because it allows him to turn his difficult past into a force for good, benefiting others.
• 😀 Through his mentorship, Kenny encourages kids in foster care to believe in their potential and see beyond their current circumstances.
• 😀 Kenny uses his own success as a model to show that foster care kids can graduate from college, pursue careers like firefighting or paramedicine, and stay out of trouble.

Q & A

What is Kenny Isacson’s background and how does it shape his work today?

Kenny Isacson spent four years in foster care, from the age of 15 to 19, where he faced abuse and neglect in some facilities. These experiences have shaped his life, pushing him to work as a paramedic and child-safe mentor, with the goal of empowering at-risk youth and helping them overcome their own challenges.

What role does Kenny currently play in the ChildSafe Mentoring Program?

Kenny serves as a child-safe mentor, using his personal experiences to guide and support youth in foster care. He helps them understand that their past doesn't define their future and encourages them to pursue positive paths in life.

How does Kenny's personal experience influence his mentorship?

Kenny’s experiences in foster care, including abuse and trauma, directly influence his mentorship approach. He uses his story to show youth that they can achieve their dreams, no matter their circumstances, and offers them practical examples of success.

What are some of the statistics that highlight the importance of mentoring programs?

According to the statistics, youth involved in mentoring programs are 46% less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol, 85% more likely to succeed in school, and 95% less likely to engage with the criminal justice system. These numbers demonstrate the significant positive impact of mentorship.

Why does Kenny believe the ChildSafe Mentoring Program is important?

Kenny believes the ChildSafe Mentoring Program is important because it provides at-risk youth with guidance and support to break free from the challenges of their past. It offers a chance to change their lives and pursue a brighter future.

What message does Kenny want to convey to the youth he mentors?

Kenny wants to convey that no matter the background or struggles they face, youth can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. He shares his own success story to inspire them, showing that they too can graduate, pursue careers like firefighting or paramedicine, and avoid a life of crime.

How does Kenny’s work as a paramedic contribute to his mentoring?

Kenny’s work as a paramedic allows him to be a role model for the youth he mentors, showing them that it’s possible to have a successful career, no matter where they come from. His work in emergency services also gives him a deeper understanding of trauma and resilience, which he can share with his mentees.

How has Kenny’s involvement in the foster care system impacted his mental health?

Kenny still deals with the emotional and physical scars from his time in foster care, including the need for ongoing mental health treatment. His experiences have shaped his worldview and motivated him to help others facing similar challenges.

What does Kenny hope to achieve through his role as a child-safe mentor?

Through his role, Kenny hopes to help break the cycle of abuse and neglect for at-risk youth. He wants to give them hope, showing them that they can overcome their circumstances and achieve their dreams.

What kind of future does Kenny envision for the youth he mentors?

Kenny envisions a future where the youth he mentors grow into successful, happy adults. He believes they can graduate from college, pursue meaningful careers, and stay out of trouble, regardless of the challenges they face now.