265. Building Life-on-Life Relationships to Make Disciples with Aric Diaz of GRIP Youth
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In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zachary Garza interviews AD, the Men's Mentorship Manager at GRIP Outreach for Youth in Chicago. AD discusses his faith journey, his background in mentorship, and the mission of GRIP, which focuses on building meaningful, life-on-life relationships with youth. The conversation highlights GRIP's programs, such as SLAM, a sports-based mentorship initiative, and the Future Steps program, which helps prepare students for life after high school. AD underscores the importance of equipping mentors, connecting them with students, and fostering growth in both groups, concluding with inspiring stories of transformation and the role of prayer in mentorship.

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Takeaways: 

• AD's journey from San Antonio to Chicago highlights the unexpected paths God can take us on.
• Mentorship is about building relationships and being present in students' lives.
• SLAM combines sports and mentorship to create a fun and engaging environment for youth.
• The Future Steps program helps students prepare for life after high school through practical skills and career guidance.
• Equipping mentors is essential for effective mentorship and building trust with students.
• Understanding the gap between expectations and reality can help mentors avoid discouragement.
• Prayer is a vital component in seeking mentors and guidance in mentorship programs.
• Growth in mentorship is a two-way street; both mentors and mentees learn from each other.
• Community partnerships enhance the effectiveness of mentorship programs.
• Stories of transformation remind us of the impact mentorship can have on young lives.

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to AD and GRIP Outreach06:45 AD's Journey and Background13:23 Understanding GRIP's Mission and Programs19:30 SLAM: Sports and Mentorship22:05 Future Steps Program: Preparing for Life After High School25:35 Equipping Mentors for Success31:18 Connecting Students and Mentors35:31 Growing and Developing Relationships36:18 Stories of Transformation and Encouragement

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