Mentoring Collaborative celebrates a quarter-century of change, connection and courage

“I tried different paths, but mentoring is what makes me feel truly alive,” said Jessica Bloomingdale, reflecting on her journey with MCMC.

For 25 years, the Mentoring Collaborative of Montgomery County (MCMC) and the Fast Forward Re-Engagement Center (FFREC) have transformed lives, guiding students toward clarity, confidence, and personal growth while inspiring mentors in return.

On Thursday, April 2 at 4 p.m., Smith Auditorium will host a celebration honoring this quarter-century of change, connection and courage, inviting the community to reflect on a legacy of mentoring and teamwork.

Since its founding in 2001, MCMC has helped students explore academic paths, set career goals and develop personal skills. Mentoring is a reciprocal process. While students gain guidance and structure, mentors often discover renewed purpose and insight.

“Two ways—mentors and mentees,” Bloomingdale said, noting how the relationships bridge “generational and conversational gaps.”

The organization’s journey has included both successes and challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, mentoring shifted to virtual and community-based formats, placing distance between staff, mentors and students. Despite these obstacles, collaboration remained strong.

“Even when distance separated us, we remained one team. Every idea counted, and together we put it into action,” Bloomingdale said.

This period highlighted the organization’s adaptability, creativity and commitment to its mission.

Over the years, funding has remained relatively flat, and recruitment has become more difficult. The program is also preparing to leave Sinclair by the end of June 2026, seeking a new host site and reevaluating resources. Despite these uncertainties, dedication to the mission continues.

“Nothing is certain in the nonprofit world, but we are willing to be creative,” Bloomingdale said, emphasizing innovation as essential for the future.

Looking ahead, MCMC and FFREC aim to expand statewide, becoming a central hub for mentoring across Ohio. Students will continue to gain guidance, mentors will find fulfillment, and the community will benefit from strengthened connections.

Bloomingdale’s own path reflects this vision. Although she began in engineering at Belford, she found true satisfaction in mentoring and encouraging youth.

“This mentoring and youth encouragement makes me happy,” she shared.

The celebration on April 2 will honor 25 years of achievements, highlight success stories, and recognize the mentors and mentees who have shaped the program’s legacy.

“I just hope people feel the joy and the impact that we made,” said Bloomingdale.

As MCMC moves forward, its commitment to mentorship, creating meaningful connections, motivating both mentors & mentees, and fostering a strong community will continue to guide and inspire the next generation.

For readers interested in getting involved, the Montgomery County College Promise Program is seeking college mentors for 55 promising young people throughout the county. While MCMC and FFREC are separate organizations, anyone looking to make a difference can find more information at https://mcocp.org/mentoring.

Monsoon Koirala, reporter

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