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Her landlady suggested she talk with Joanne Borders, then a community mobilizer for the Salem Square Community Association.
Borders, who has her own health problems, encouraged Freeland to do what she could, even if it was simply talking with people about taking ownership of the neighborhood and maintaining a certain quality of life.
"Even if you're incapacitated, you can still do something," Borders told her.
So Freeland began attending neighborhood meetings. Today, she's a block leader and was recently elected to the neighborhood association's board of directors.
She's a member of the Elm Street Advisory Council for the west end. She has organized clean sweeps, assisted with National Night Out and completed a leadership training program. She secured speed limit and "children at play" signs for the streets and raised funds for a neighborhood block party.
The list goes on.
"Ms. Borders let me know that I can do almost anything I want, regardless of my disabilities," Freeland said. "She has shown me that there is always something we can do to make our community a better place."
Borders said, "We just talk about everything."
Freeland said it is because of Borders' mentoring that she has done things she lacked the self-confidence to attempt before: "She has taught me so much."
Below, readers share stories of their mentors:
My mentor's name is Jo Anna Shovlin. She is chief of staff for Rep. Stan Saylor.
I was matched with her through the Future Leaders of York leadership program, and we met four times during the year.
I felt honored to be able to have a relationship with someone who I looked up to. She helped me overcome fears of speaking in front of adults. At our first meeting, I did not want to talk. By the end of the year, I stood up and gave a speech. She really did a lot for me.
I gained a long-lasting friendship with a leader in York. She has told me that if I ever need anything, to let her know. I will keep this relationship with her.
Having a mentor is a priceless experience. They bring out something that you never thought you had in you.
I cannot tell Jo Anna thank you enough. She has helped me gain the confidence to be a leader, whether it's in my school, work, town, or wherever life may take me.
- Jenna Miller, 17, senior at Dallastown Area High School
I joined a program called Moms and Mentors at the York YWCA a few years ago. It was a program that paired women who are established in their lives and careers with teenage mothers or pregnant teens.
I thought it would be interesting to do, and if I could help someone out in putting their life in order, that would be an added bonus.
I was matched with a 15-year-old named Courtney, who just had a baby. The reason the director put us together was because our last names were the same. It turns out, we had a whole lot more in common.
My son was in the same day care as her son, and they knew each other. My husband actually grew up with her grandparents.
We still maintain a close friendship today, and Courtney always calls me before she makes a big decision in her life. She now has two kids, Brenden, 6, and Amiyah, 3.
Courtney graduated from high school close to the top of her class, has a full-time job and maintains her own place. I am very proud of the work she has done, as I know it is very hard to raise children.
- Angie Day, Spring Grove
I have been on the Temple Guard drill team for about 5 ½ years now. Mr. Mike (Mike Smith, drill sergeant) has become more of a father figure to me. He's incredible. I would say it is because of him that I continue to grow each day.
(Smith) is more than a mentor and drill sergeant. Being a member of the Temple Guard, I've learned a lot about myself - things and feelings I never thought could exist. I learned how to have more confidence in the things that I do. I've grown to be a more positive person, avoiding gangs, drugs and sex. I'm a better person.
- Karimah Miller, 16, junior, Eastern York High School and captain of the Temple Guard drill team
I met Dave Schad in 1974 at the Out Door Country Club. At the time, I was working as a busboy and he was on the club's board of directors. His recollection is that I spilled water on him during a board meeting. We became friends, and I became part of his "family."
A short time later, Dave offered to help me get a job for the upcoming summer at a business he had helped start called United Consultants . . .
The summer before my senior year at York College, Dave offered me a job working for him in his real estate business at Bennett Williams . . .
In the spring of 1981, the U.S. economy was struggling . . . jobs were scarce for new graduates . . . I was considering my options. Finally, in early May, deciding against joining the Navy, I went to see Dave . . .
Now, 27 years later, I am still proud to be working for Dave as the broker of record and vice president of Bennett Williams . . .
Dave has had other mentees at Bennett Williams . . . those who have been mentored by Dave Schad have achieved success because he took the time, shared his knowledge, and - most of all - cared enough to inspire their success.
- Bob Behler, Coldwell Banker Commercial Bennett Williams Realty
I was matched with Rep. Bev Mackereth through the Future Leaders of York program.
When I applied for the program, I was asked to check my areas of interest and mine were government and kids/education. Bev and I matched up well because she's a strong force for education in the House.
We had several meetings to discuss what she does and what I can do to get involved. I also went with her to Harrisburg for the day and was a page on the floor.
While I was there, I met many representatives and watched Bev speak to a women's group. I was even lucky enough to see a protest on the capital stairs!
I had been struggling for some time trying to figure out what I wanted to do. When I met her and learned what she does, it inspired me. She helped me realize that politicians are people, too, and that you can make a difference in so many ways, big or small. Bev made a great mentor and is a wonderful role model . . . she's truly genuine.
- Ann Deibert, junior, West York Area High School
My mentor's name is Sheri Greenfield. She is an amazing person, always helping and thinking of others. She is always there for me, whether it is a shoulder to cry on or just to talk to her and listen. I really value and appreciate all that she does. I am so blessed to have her in my life and honored to have her as my mentor and friend.
- Teresa Warner, York
ONLINE
Didn't get to send in your mentor story? Go online at http://exchange.ydr.com and type “mentors” in the search bar to share your story and read about other mentors.
ABOUT THIS SERIES
The “In Search Of” series is a monthly feature discovering the labels we give ourselves and others, and how they help us identify what's important in our lives.
Each month this year, we'll feature York or Adams county residents who fall into a variety of categories. Look for stories about collectors, performers, hobbyists, activists and caretakers, to name a few. Visit here for more stories.
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