Chaya Kaplan, founder of A-OK Mentoring – Tutoring, Inc., was a wonderful person, kind, thoughtful, wise, warm, considerate, giving, generous, and dedicated to helping children. Her genuine concern and care for young children contributed to her willingness to start and run mentoring programs, and to also being an active mentor in those programs.

In 2003 when the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center expressed interest in contributing to the community by starting a mentoring program, Chaya and her co-founder Joe Wilmott stepped up and offered to get it going. They recruited volunteers and established relationships with Howard County Public Schools and after-school programs, and built a grassroots volunteer supported school based mentoring program that provided mentors/tutors to children who could use that extra support during the school day or while attending the afterschool programs.

In 2009, when asked to set up a legal entity for that program and enter into a formal agreement with the school system, Chaya stepped up again and began the arduous task of turning A-OK into a formal non-profit corporation recognized by the state of Maryland and the federal government. Based on her efforts and those who collaborated with her, A-OK was incorporated in November 2009 and received its 501(c) (3) status in April 2010. With the formalities met, Chaya became A-OK’s first Executive Director, working as a volunteer approximately 20 hours a week to meet its operational needs as a mentoring program, but also ensuring that its business needs, fundraising, bookkeeping, Board interaction, insurance, and government requirements were met.

​She knew that for it to endure past her leadership, it needed structures to safely screen and train volunteers, and eventually funds to pay staff for many of the chores she did as a volunteer. So, before she stepped down as A-OK’s ED in July 2015, she worked with A-OK’s Board and its volunteers and ensured that all that happened. Chaya left a legacy mentoring program that continues to thrive and serve children. While I mourn her passing, I celebrate her amazing life and accomplishments.

​Written by Rea Goldfinger, AOK Administrator

I am thrilled to announce the launch of a new look and website for AOK Mentoring & Tutoring. As the President of the Board, I am excited to witness the ongoing positive impact this program has on the lives of youth mentees in Howard County as we move into our second decade of service.

Through mentorship, AOK provides homework guidance, social skills support, and encouragement to help young minds navigate the challenges they may face and unlock their full potential. Our commitment to fostering meaningful connections between mentors and mentees is at the heart of this program, and we invite all members of our community to join us on this journey as volunteers, as donors, and as cheerleaders.

​Stay tuned for updates on our social media channels and in your inbox from our team, and if you're thinking about becoming a mentor/tutor -- there's no time like right now!

​Join us: aokmentor.org/volunteer

Keith Lusby
President of Board, AOK Mentoring & Tutoring