Lainie struggled in elementary school but her fifth grade teacher, seeing her potential, referred her to Volunteers for Youth for a mentor. Lainie's volunteer mentor became a friend to her and her family, helping shepherd Lainie through the pitfalls of adolescence. Seven years later, Lainie has become the first member of her family to head to college. While Lainie's success is a testament to her own resilience and her family's support, she and her mom give much credit to the mentor who stood by Lainie for so many years, providing advice, encouragement, and caring.