From Mentee to Mentor
Meet Jessica Caravalho
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Jessica Caravalho was first introduced to Going Home Hawaiʻi as a client. At the time, she was entering Drug Court without a high school diploma, struggling with addiction, disconnected from loved ones, and searching for direction and purpose.
Through the support of community programs and social service organizations, Jessica rebuilt her life. She discovered her passions, strengthened family relationships, and pursued higher education. Today, she is working toward her Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and serves as Board President of the Friends of Big Island Drug Court. In 2019, Jessica became a certified mentor with Going Home Hawaiʻi and has since supported multiple mentees on their own recovery and reintegration journeys. |
Why I Became a Mentor
“What inspired me to become a mentor was seeing the impact this role can have on someone’s life. I come from a background shaped by addiction and oppression, and I know firsthand how important support and guidance can be.
The people who worked with me helped me discover my interests, begin my educational journey, rebuild relationships, and reconnect with my community. Mentoring allows me to give that same support back to others.”
The people who worked with me helped me discover my interests, begin my educational journey, rebuild relationships, and reconnect with my community. Mentoring allows me to give that same support back to others.”
A Different Approach to Helping
Mentoring through Going Home Hawaiʻi focuses on meeting people where they are — without judgment, shame, or fear.
Rather than directing or controlling someone’s life, mentors create a safe space for honesty, self-discovery, and personal growth. Mentees are encouraged to identify their own goals, challenges, and strengths while building confidence in their ability to move forward.
“Our role is not to dictate someone’s path. It’s to support them as they discover it for themselves.”
Rather than directing or controlling someone’s life, mentors create a safe space for honesty, self-discovery, and personal growth. Mentees are encouraged to identify their own goals, challenges, and strengths while building confidence in their ability to move forward.
“Our role is not to dictate someone’s path. It’s to support them as they discover it for themselves.”
Mentoring Through the Lens of Social Work
As a graduate student in social work, Jessica says mentoring has taught her lessons that go beyond academics.
“School can teach theory, but mentoring teaches empathy. Real understanding comes from connecting with people, hearing their experiences, and learning how to meet them where they are.”
Her experience highlights the importance of human connection in restorative justice and community reintegration work.
“School can teach theory, but mentoring teaches empathy. Real understanding comes from connecting with people, hearing their experiences, and learning how to meet them where they are.”
Her experience highlights the importance of human connection in restorative justice and community reintegration work.
The Mentor–Mentee Relationship
At Going Home Hawaiʻi, mentors are not probation officers, counselors, or authority figures. They are trusted peers who walk alongside mentees during difficult transitions.
The relationship is built on mutual respect, trust, and support.
“Success or setbacks are not ours to control. We’re there to encourage people through both victories and obstacles without condemnation.”
This approach helps mentees feel seen, valued, and supported during recovery and reentry.
The relationship is built on mutual respect, trust, and support.
“Success or setbacks are not ours to control. We’re there to encourage people through both victories and obstacles without condemnation.”
This approach helps mentees feel seen, valued, and supported during recovery and reentry.
Challenges and Rewards of Mentoring
Challenges
Balancing mentoring with work, school, and family responsibilities can be difficult. During the COVID-19 pandemic, mentors adapted by using text messaging and video conferencing to stay connected.
Rewards
For Jessica, the most rewarding part of mentoring is witnessing growth, trust, and resilience.
“Hearing about someone’s accomplishments and even their fears tells me they trust me enough to be honest. That trust is meaningful.”
She also believes mentoring positively impacts families and communities by modeling compassion, service, and giving without expecting anything in return.
Balancing mentoring with work, school, and family responsibilities can be difficult. During the COVID-19 pandemic, mentors adapted by using text messaging and video conferencing to stay connected.
Rewards
For Jessica, the most rewarding part of mentoring is witnessing growth, trust, and resilience.
“Hearing about someone’s accomplishments and even their fears tells me they trust me enough to be honest. That trust is meaningful.”
She also believes mentoring positively impacts families and communities by modeling compassion, service, and giving without expecting anything in return.
Looking Toward the Future
Jessica’s long-term goal is to work within the correctional system as a social worker, helping individuals prepare for successful reentry before they return home.
She hopes to use her education and lived experience to advocate for change at both the individual and policy levels.
“Early connection and support can change lives. I want to continue creating those opportunities for others.”
She hopes to use her education and lived experience to advocate for change at both the individual and policy levels.
“Early connection and support can change lives. I want to continue creating those opportunities for others.”