Mentoring Through the Storm: Showing Up While Healing

Phoenix, AZ – June 24, 2025

At New Pathways for Youth, we believe that true mentorship is about more than offering guidance when life is easy—it’s about being present through the highs and the lows. In one of the most moving episodes of The Mentorship Blueprint podcast, we hear what it really means to keep showing up for someone else even when you’re barely holding it together yourself.

In this powerful conversation, Mark Garcia, NPFY’s Director of Curriculum and Training, sits down with Candy—a volunteer mentor whose unwavering commitment to her mentee never faltered, even as she faced her own life-changing challenge: a cancer diagnosis. Candy’s story is a profound reminder that mentors don’t have to be perfect; they just have to be present.

Candy reflects on the moment she decided to share her diagnosis with her mentee; a decision rooted in trust and authenticity. She talks about how vulnerability strengthened their connection, allowing her mentee to see that resilience isn’t about having all the answers— it’s about continuing to show up, no matter what.

Throughout her treatment, Candy’s mentoring journey evolved. She describes how mentoring gave her purpose during some of the most difficult days. It reminded her of the power of relationships, community, and mutual growth. The conversations she shared with her mentee became a source of hope for both, illustrating that mentorship is a two-way street.

For anyone wondering whether they can still be a source of strength for someone else while navigating their own struggles, Candy’s story offers a resounding “yes.” She shows us that mentorship isn’t about perfection. It’s about the simple but profound act of presence—of choosing, time and again, to walk alongside a young person as they build a life filled with joy, purpose, and possibility.

If you’re curious about how mentors at NPFY in Phoenix and beyond continue to inspire youth even during personal adversity, this episode is a must-listen. The Mentorship Blueprint podcast is now streaming on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Tune in and discover how our community of mentors and youth transform one another’s lives through resilience and connection.

At NPFY, we are always seeking mentors ready to make a difference—no matter where they are in their own journey. If Candy’s story inspires you, consider joining us. Learn more about how you can become a mentor and help us continue creating brighter futures for Phoenix youth.