Kristy Newborg, experience specialist with Garden Spot Village (GSV), has a passion for helping the coming generations. "Anytime I can help someone get closer to their dream, whether it's listening, giving advice, being there, offering that extra support, (I will help)," said Newborg.

In the fall of 2023, when Jared Erb, First Choice career coordinator with Pequea Valley School District (PVSD), contacted Newborg about the First Choice Discovery Program, a work-based program offering career exploration and mentoring to every sophomore at Pequea Valley High School (PVHS), Newborg signed on. "I said, 'That sounds like an amazing opportunity,'" Newborg recalled.

During the 2023-24 schoolyear, Newborg mentored two PVHS sophomore girls. Erb had set up a program for mentors and mentees to meet at the school on a regular basis and to connect by email. "We talked about likes, interests, work history, and sports," explained Newborg, who noted that after establishing background information, the mentors and mentees worked on job acquisition skills such as how to build a resume, what to wear and how to behave during an interview, and what to look out for when searching for a job. Newborg shared that one of the students was interested in going into business and the other was trying to narrow a path after talking to friends and family who are in business and nursing. "She was still trying to figure out her purpose," noted Newborg.

Newborg has been with GSV for nearly a decade, working as an employment recruiter and in human resources. She feels strongly about the mission of the retirement community, which focuses on "purpose, opportunity and living life to its fullest." "I wanted to build up our relationship with local schools," explained Newborg. "It's important that we tap into that next generation and break the stigma that we are an old person home." Newborg added that she wants young people to know that a retirement community offers much for retirees and for employees. GSV employment opportunities range from culinary and nursing to technical support, marketing, maintenance, sales, and more.

Newborg, who is originally from Easton, began her own career with a degree in elementary education. "That's where my passion for helping the next generation stems from," said Newborg. "When I landed at GSV, I loved recruiting because I could meet new people and help them on their journey."

Newborg's involvement in the mentor program is an extension of that goal. "Everybody has a time and place to be somewhere," she noted. "Be in the moment, learn what you can, take what you need, and leave what you don't."

Readers who have questions about the mentor program may email jared_erb@pequeavalley.net or call 717-768-5510, ext. 5518.

More information about GSV may be found at http://www.gardenspotvillage.org.