Every year since moving from Texas to Manhattan four years ago, Advocate Counselor Roberto Quezada of Wediko New York has joined the crowds lining the New York City Marathon route to cheer on the runners. He goes to support friends who are participating, providing that extra bit of fuel, and champions others he doesn’t know. That’s just who he is.
These athletes, in turn, have motivated Roberto. This year, on November 1, he won’t be an onlooker; he’ll be wearing a bib in the historic TCS NYC Marathon. Roberto is going the distance to raise awareness for the critical programs of Wediko New York at The Home, which partners with schools across New York City to provide mental health services to youth that promote well-being and improve engagement and outcomes. With every mile, Roberto will bring greater awareness to the urgent need for accessible, high-quality mental health care for young people.
As a youth mentor and advocate counselor, Roberto works with students at the Queens Satellite High School for Opportunity, one of The Home’s partner schools. There, he provides extra support for youth that helps them to be successful. Roberto cheers them on, lifts them up and “lets them know that I’m here for them,” he says.
He sees himself in many of the youth he serves—especially those adjusting to a new school and culture. He is first generation and came to the United States from Mexico at age 6, so he’s been in their shoes. “Growing up in Texas, I needed somebody to be there for me,” he says. “My parents were working. I’m the oldest, too, so I always had to be there for my younger siblings, leading them a bit. I always wished that I had somebody there to kind of guide me a little.”
Roberto came to New York City—and to Wediko New York—to become that person for the students he works with. “That’s who I want to be,” he says. “Someone who pushes people to believe they can do it. I feel that responsibility of breaking barriers and setting an example.”
In his role, Roberto always goes the extra mile, and he has built trust and relationships that have made all the difference. He checks in with students before they even arrive at school, at multiple points throughout the day, and he’s even started an official soccer team after school that not only deflects absenteeism, it helps players feel the benefits of connection, team camaraderie, physical activity…and winning!
As Roberto trains for the marathon, he is modeling persistence, resilience and drive to the full student body at Queens Satellite School, and the kids are excited and, sometimes, amazed by his efforts. They are happily planning how to show up for him on race day.
Roberto is teaching the kids just how to tackle any large goal or accomplishment they have their sights set on. Says Roberto, “Just like a marathon, you start slow, and when you’re at the end and get to see all the hard work you put in, you get to celebrate.”
To donate to Roberto Quezada’s TCS NYC Marathon Run, visit thehome.org/runnyc. Thank you for your support!
