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Mentor Spotlight
Mentor Spotlight: Liz Beall
Center for Women in Transition extends a special thanks to the 33 mentors who dedicated their time and talents to mentoring in 2010. Our program wouldn’t be possible without you!
Liz Beall has been a mentor to more women than she can remember in one sitting. The common thread, between the women, however,is the same - Liz finds the them to be a constant source of inspiration.
She is in awe of the determination,persistence and kindness she sees in so many of the women she befriends. Liz has celebrated many special events with the women she mentors - graduation from treatment, new apartments, new jobs, planned pregnancies, marriages, and with one client Liz remembers, “One of our happiest moments together was celebrating the day she got a letter stating she had paid her debt to society and was now considered a real citizen who could vote and do everything else that you and I take for granted.”
Not every mentoring relationship starts off easily. Liz remembers one woman who had been distant towards her until she invited Liz to visit her new apartment. Liz was pleased to see their relationship advance and the trust between them deepen. When Liz visited the woman’s new apartment, she was struck by the peace and contentment the woman expressed. Liz could also see the advantages of the material support the Center provided in the form of bus passes and food cards. Those contributed to her success along with as the Center’s involvement in helping her get a good job.
Today, Liz is in a mentoring relationship with Faye Morris. Liz calls Faye her “gift” from the Center and says, “I think I get more from our relationship than Faye does. She has such a positive personality that when we get together I always feel better for the encounter. Our time is more for my benefit than hers.”
Faye says she appreciates how Liz listens to her, does not pressure her, and is simply available for Faye when she needs her. Faye says that Liz supports her in everything and will show up for any event in Faye’s life. Faye recently graduated from the treatment program at BASIC and Liz cheered her on alongside other friends and family members supporting their loved ones.
Their relationship is now one of balance. Faye says that they each discuss their lives and problems openly, giving each other advice and support. The two women have struck a true friendship. Perhaps Faye says it most plainly - when asked about their relationship she replied, “Liz? Oh! I love Liz!”
In addition to the fulfilling relationships Liz develops with the women, when asked why she mentors, Liz speaks of her empty nest - her daughter growing up, moving away and leaving a void in Liz’s life. Liz says that having the opportunity to be involved closely with another person’s life helps her deal with the changes in her own life.
The passion Liz feels for mentoring and the new relationships she cultivates shines through as she speaks about why she continues to mentor. “I feel privileged to enjoy connectedness with the women and their lives. Learning about the women and their worlds contributes greatly to my ongoing education and maturation.”
