Local Teacher a Dedicated Mentor Outside of School

Everyday Inspirations is a series that features people in Patch communities who inspire others through their work, or people who have faced extraordinary situations and grown from them. They have been featured by other people in the community that have been inspired by the nominees.

Name: Julie Heckmann
Town: Farmington, MN
Nominated by: Ingrid Henry

Why is this person an "Everyday Inspiration?" 
Julie is an everyday inspiration because, in addition to being an elementary school teacher and mother to her own sons, she and her family mentor two other boys through Kids 'n Kinship.

 They get together with them each week for activities such as playing board games, having a family meal, putting together a model car, carving pumpkins, and going places like the zoo or a waterpark. These two other boys are like a part of the family to Julie. She's very dedicated to them and cares about them deeply.

Mentoring is an intense volunteer commitment and Julie and her family have embraced it and gone above and beyond as mentors. They have been matched for almost three and a half years!

Has the nominee's life been changed in an extraordinary way? 

Julie: "We have spent a lot of time with the boys both in our home and outside the home doing many exciting things. For our own two sons, being positive role models and support to the boys is what they enjoy the most. 'I like doing projects and playing games with the boys. It’s kind of like having a young brother and second older brother,' one said. 'For me it’s about the experience. Not many people will take this opportunity when given,' said the other.

We have created an amazing connection with their mom, sisters and extended family as well. When we first decided to participate in Kids ‘n Kinship, we had no idea what a rewarding experience we were about to have!"  

How does this person work to make others' lives better?

Julie brings a smile and positive attitude to everything that she does. In her work as a teacher, she's determined to help her students learn and succeed. In her volunteering as mentor, she spends her free time with her family with these two boys.

Together they've explored new hobbies and crafts, traveled to local Twin Cities destinations like ValleyFair and the Minnesota Zoo, and just had a great time together at home. Julie has shown these boys a tremendous amount of compassion and encouragement, helping them to be successful, self-confident young men.