Matthew Garcia, Executive Director of Windsor County Mentors, delivered an engaging and wide-ranging presentation that blended history, personal narrative, and a compelling case for the power of mentorship in shaping young lives.

Garcia began with an unexpected but memorable journey into ancient Greece, connecting the origins of mentorship to classical literature. Referencing the works of Homer—including The Iliad and The Odyssey—he highlighted the character Mentor, a trusted advisor asked by Odysseus to guide his son. In ancient Greek culture, Mentor represented wisdom, guidance, and community leadership—the foundation of what mentorship still means today. Garcia also noted his admiration for Cassandra from The Iliad, a figure gifted with foresight but unheard, underscoring the importance of listening and trust in human relationships.

Garcia’s own path to leadership in the nonprofit sector is as dynamic as his presentation. Born in North Carolina, he was drawn to New England early on, eventually graduating from Dartmouth College. He went on to build a career in the publishing industry in New York City before relocating to Vermont in 2003. After becoming an attorney and practicing law for a period, Garcia made a deliberate shift toward mission-driven work. He served for many years as executive director of the Spark Community Center before taking the helm at Windsor County Mentors, where he continues to lead today.

Founded more than 50 years ago, Windsor County Mentors focuses on one-to-one mentoring relationships between adults and youth, particularly adolescents facing challenges. The organization serves Windsor County, Vermont, as well as Sullivan County and the Kearsarge region in New Hampshire. Mentors meet with their mentees in school settings, on weekends, or both, providing consistent support and connection.

Garcia emphasized that the organization operates with a lean structure—just five staff members, with Garcia as the sole full-time employee—and an annual budget of approximately $180,000, much of which must be raised through community support. Additional funding comes from local communities served and the State of Vermont.

Despite its modest size, the organization follows nationally recognized best practices in mentoring. Garcia shared that research shows mentoring leads to measurable outcomes, including reduced truancy and stronger family relationships, with mentees reporting higher levels of trust in their parents compared to peers without mentors.

Volunteer mentors are central to the program’s success. Each mentor completes a training process and commits to at least one year of service, offering steady guidance and companionship to their mentee. Garcia, who also serves as the organization’s chief development officer, encouraged Rotary members and community residents to consider volunteering or supporting the program financially.

“Mentorship is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to strengthen a community,” Garcia said. “It’s about showing up, building trust, and being present in a young person’s life.”

For more information about becoming a mentor or supporting Windsor County Mentors, click here. 

The Springfield Rotary Club meets every Tuesday, at 12 p.m., at the SAPCC Workforce Development & Training Center. For more information, click here.