One of the most exciting moments in OCA’s Life Coaching programs is the match meeting, the first time a Life Coach and a young person meet. It’s a moment in which two people start to understand why the Matchmaker Himself brought them together.

From Initial Interest to a Match

When someone expresses interest in becoming a life coach, they are connected with Suzanne Pritchard, Life Coach Director.  Training and background checks are completed. Suzanne then pairs volunteers with mentees based on factors such as location, gender, personality, and location. A match meeting is then set so that the life coach and youth can meet.

Who Attends a Match Meeting

Suzanne facilitates match meetings. An adult responsible for the youth, such as a social worker or parent, is also at the meeting. The goal is to set expectations and to help the new pairing feel comfortable with each other.

A Recent Match Meeting

“I had the pleasure of matching another new Life Coach volunteer, Yvonne, with her new mentee last Thursday at St. Joseph’s,” Suzanne shared.

Yvonne, a petite woman, was expecting to meet a typical 13-year-old girl. What she didn’t know was that her new mentee, whom we’ll call Emma, had recently celebrated a birthday and now stood an impressive 5’9″.

Yvonne and Emma shared a laugh about the height difference.

Emma’s therapist shared that she was so excited about getting a life coach that she had been jumping up and down in her office just before the meeting.

As they talked, the duo discovered common interests. Yvonne briefly shared some childhood experiences and trauma that God had helped her overcome that mirrored some of Emma’s experiences.

“They parted, eager to meet again soon,” Suzanne said. “It was heart-warming to see this new friendship begin.”

The Matchmaker Isn’t Finished

Healing and hope are often found in relationship. God matches us with others to help us through life’s difficulties.

God matched Yvonne and Emma.

Perhaps, somewhere close by, He has a match waiting for you.