This March TRUE Mentors hired a new, full-time program Director, DeShawn Singleton (pictured far right). Mr. Singleton comes to TRUE Mentors from BRICK Academy, where he served as the Youth Development Manager. Prior to that, DeShawn took the opportunity to play basketball overseas and most recently was inducted into the Rutgers Basketball Hall of Fame,
DeShawn grew up in Hudson County in the foster care system at the age of 12 and began working with a mentor from the Hispanic Center in Passaic and later another mentor from Catholic Charities. This experience, combined with his background and B.A. in social work from Rutgers University, brings a unique perspective to our mentoring program. DeShawn’s passion for mentoring stems from his own personal experience working with a mentor growing up.
I first began working with a mentor when I was 15 and living in a group home. My mentors literally helped me be everything I am now. They helped me get to college, taught me how to behave and to treat people with respect. I don’t know where I would be in life without them.
DeShawn’s passion for connecting with families to our mentoring program. This year, DeShawn is focused on our community and family outreach, connecting more students to our mentoring programs and providing further support for our current mentors/mentees to help foster TRUE relationships. DeShawn’s passion for our mentoring program made him an obvious choice for our new program director, but it is his infectious laugh and enthusiasm that make him so much fun to work with. Welcome aboard DeShawn! We look forward to building TRUE relationships with you for many years to come!