Bolder Options

Marcus and Erik first met through the Bolder Options Mentoring Program in 1994. Recently, after more than 30 years, they reconnected. Marcus, Erik and Darrell Thompson went out to lunch together, and many of the memories from Marcus’s time in the program came rushing back. Shortly after their lunch, I spoke with Marcus to talk about what he remembered about Bolder Options, his relationship with Erik, his mentor, and how the program impacted his life. “The program back then was nice.

On September 17, our Creative Sponsor, Charizma Agency, will transform the venue into an immersive, comic-inspired world. Vibrant projections will cover the walls, superhero mentor and mentee pairs will appear throughout the space, and guests can explore interactive elements and a photo experience that feels like stepping inside a comic book. The setting may be new, but the heart of Bolder Bash remains the same.

Bolder Options 1 hour ago 2 min read This summer, Bolder Options youth stepped outside their comfort zones and into the wilderness for unforgettable Adventure Learning experiences. These trips are designed to help youth grow, lead, and discover what they are capable of, all while having a lot of fun along the way. Adventure Learning is rooted in the Bolder Options mission.

2026 Alan & Diane Page Award Recipient At Bolder Options, we believe mentorship has the power to transform lives. Few embody that belief more fully than Glen Desouza, the 2026 recipient of the Alan & Diane Page Award. Glen first connected with Bolder Options in his mid-20s, drawn by a simple but powerful desire to give back. He carried a vision of making a difference and was searching for a meaningful way to do it. When he received a postcard tucked into a race packet, he responded right away.

Some people make an impact by showing up once. Others change lives because they never stop showing up. That unwavering commitment is what makes Halley Sobeck the recipient of this year's William Steele Distinguished Service Award an honor recognizing individuals who carry forward the legacy of Bolder Options founder William Steele by leading with heart, vision, and purpose.

Bolder Options 32 minutes ago 3 min read Dominique, Emmanuel and Olivia After one year at Bolder Options, Mentor Program Coordinators Olivia, Emmanuel, and Dominique have each experienced firsthand what it means to build relationships that support young people. We sat down with them to reflect on their first year and what they’ve learned, what has stayed with them, and how this work has shaped the way they show up for youth, mentors, and the broader community.

Our Bolder Options community is heartbroken by the unexpected loss of Christian Gary, an active participant and leader in our mentoring and youth programs. Christian’s family has deep roots in the Bolder Options community. His mom, Mandee, worked with us for many years as a senior program coordinator, and all four of his siblings are former or current participants in our programs. Christian joined Bolder Options just after his 11th birthday in June 2020.

Bolder Options 23 minutes ago 5 min read Over the past year, Bea and Elena have built a relationship grounded in trust, shared experiences, and consistency. What began as a match through Bolder Options has grown into a meaningful connection shaped by both fun and honest conversations. To reflect on their time together, we captured three perspectives: Bea’s experience as a mentor, Elena interviewing Bea, and Bea interviewing Elena. Bea’s Mentorship Experience Bea and Elena were matched in May 2026.

At Bolder Options, mentoring starts with something simple but powerful: a willingness to show up. When someone raises their hand to become a mentor, our staff walk alongside them every step of the way, including training, regular check-ins and thoughtfully matching each volunteer with a young person based on shared interests or complementary personalities. It’s a process built with care, because we know strong relationships don’t happen by accident.

Bolder Options 25 minutes ago 3 min read “What does it actually take to be a mentor?” The honest answer? More than people think. Mentoring isn’t just hanging out or having fun, though there’s plenty of that. It’s showing up consistently. It’s sticking with a young person even when they’re quiet, distracted, or pushing you away a little. It’s being someone they can count on, week after week. It takes patience. Flexibility. A sense of humor helps.