Vince Smyth
Family Support Services: Foster Buddies mentor
For the past six years, Vince Smyth has been a mentor to young people who have been dealt some tough times in their lives. Being a “buddy” to those children through Family Support Services’ Foster Buddies Program has made an impact on many lives, including Smyth’s.
“The best part for me is certainly seeing positive change and growth in the child,” said Smyth, who was recently named Volunteer of the Year by the Florida Coalition for Children (FCC).
Smyth, who serves as Associate Vice President of Administration and Finance at the University of North Florida, has devoted more than 600 hours to mentoring foster youth, but to him, it’s just plain having fun.
“Much of my contacts involve doing fun things like going to the zoo, beach, circus, going on boat rides and biking,” said Smyth.
“The foster children Vince has mentored truly benefit from the friendship and bond they developed with him, and Family Support Services is very appreciative,” said Lee Kaywork, Family Support Services Executive Officer.
“Male volunteers as role models are difficult to come by, making Vince’s commitment to mentoring even more important,” said Kaywork. “Every foster child deserves to have someone like Vince in their lives. A caring adult to talk with, share experiences with and get special attention from.”
