2021 Stories of Stoke: Mentor Highlight: Eric Johnson
Introducing Hanai Mentoring Program Leader: Eric Johnson
My name is Eric Johnson and I’ve spent most of my life on the ocean in Point Loma, from kindergarten thru High School and I am fortunate to be able to continue to live “on the point”. I love anything to do with my family (my beautiful wife and amazing 3 kids), my friends, the ocean, and US4K! Fun facts, I attended 8th grade in Kobe, Japan and was also fortunate to spend a few years on an island in Micronesia called Yap.
How long you have been with US4K and how did you get involved?
I’ve been involved with US4K for 10+ years. I first heard about US4K when I was working at a group home and the kids were participating with US4K. Being a surfer and ocean person, and a child/adolescent therapist, I became “hooked” right away and….. 10 years later still going strong with US4K including starting my 5th year with the same Hanai group!
What is your favorite US4K experience?
I’ve been on 5-6 Dreaming of Aloha trips to Hawaii, and I would have to say the first Hawaii trip was my favorite experience because……well it was the first trip. But I have sooooo, soooooo many amazing memories and experiences with US4K from my experiences and interactions with kids in foster care, foster parents, kids from the San Diego Rescue Mission and their amazing mothers, and all the US4K “family” volunteers.
What does US4K mean to you?
I could go on and on, but I would say US4k means giving, caring, supporting, loving, teaching, unconditional love, laughter, and forever will be a big part of my life It’s all the kids, the youth…..and the funny thing about it all is that I receive back from the kids is more than I could ever give them.
Why should others join US4K?
Volunteering is such an awesome experience. No matter what your passion is, if you can, go out and help someone or a program that serves others. You get so much love, smiles, hugs, and appreciation in return, and giving love and and receiving love are good for all of us. I share my time with US4K because I love being around kids, the energy they give, sharing my love of life and the ocean, and it helps me stay young even as I am approaching 60 years old (don’t tell anyone, I’m not ready to be called gramps yet!). My 3 kids all do so much volunteering with so many organizations, that I feel my volunteer work with US4K has been a catalyst to their passion to help others. In closing, the volunteers and board members of US4K all put the kids first and that works great for me!
