Before completing his freshman year in college, Noah Mayo was making plans for this summer. He would continue his track workouts for his body, take two summer classes for his brain, but as he says, he “wanted to do something to help others and feed his soul.”

Noah researched where his talents could be applied and heard from his grandmother about Shelter and the Boys’ Group Home. It would be an hour’s drive each way from his home in Plainfield, but would Shelter be interested in him giving track and field training to residents? They would be indeed!

Noah started with basketball in his freshman year in high school, then went out for track in his sophomore year and never looked back. He runs the 400-meter race as it’s the longest sprint which he says, “Is long, and it keeps going. You get to 200 meters; then you keep pushing. It helps with drive and self-esteem. Life is like the 400-meter: long and hard AND both are beautiful and fulfilling.”

Starting in June, Noah became a personal trainer for boys at Shelter’s home in Palatine, two hours a day, three days a week. From the first day, it was apparent the training had a positive impact on the residents and translated into their own lives.

“They’ve really enjoyed it,” says Noah. “They work hard but find it fun.” He incorporates topics that relate to their lives and what they are learning. “It’s been great to see their excitement, like when I got them their first track spikes, and how much joy they get out of things. I’m inspired by their work and joy.”

The culmination of the boys’ training will be competing in the 100-meter sprint at Joliet Memorial Stadium. However, the joy and lessons learned from their mentor will surely remain long after summer.

As for Noah, he will be a sophomore at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. He plans to earn degrees in both Economics and Institutions & Policies, then enter law school.  Shelter is grateful for the gifts of his time and talents, and we’re already looking forward to his returning to train our boys next summer!

For more information about volunteering at Shelter, contact Zoe at zmcgrath@sheleter-inc.org