A CALLING TO SERVE

TAJ’S STORY

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Taj Wortham has been living in Okinawa, Japan, working as a motor transport mechanic for the United States Marines. The 29-year-old is a long way from Portland, Oregon, where he joined Friends of the Children in 1999.

Taj was first matched with a Friend—a paid, professional mentor—in kindergarten. Throughout his twelve years, his mentors helped him navigate some tough decisions, which he says changed the trajectory of his life.

Growing up as an only child, Taj was alone a lot—both his parents working hard to provide him a good life. Early on, he built his identity around his friends, which led to difficult behavior—being disruptive, disrespecting his parents, and acting out in school.

I know now how I want to live my life and I’m more confident in myself and my capabilities.

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“I didn’t know who I was when I was young,” says Taj. “I needed an outlet to explore who I was and who I wanted to be.”

Through Friends of the Children, Taj was able to explore new things. One mentor in particular, Darren, opened new doors in Taj’s life beginning in 6th grade, when the two were paired.

“We bonded over classic rock, and Darren took me to my first metal concert,” Taj remembers. “One of the best things he did for me was to get me out of my comfort zone.”

Early on, Taj knew he would join the military—serving others was a calling he’d witnessed in his family growing up. His mother works with the elderly, and has also taken care of Taj’s grandparents. Taj remembers, too, how his grandmother had an open door for everyone in her neighborhood.

“It’s part of who I am to think about what it feels like on the other side of the fence, to have empathy,” shares Taj. “And all of this has led to my call to duty, a sense of purpose that makes me happy.”

Taj graduated from the Friends of the Children program with a high school diploma, but he settled into a job he didn’t find fulfilling. He reached out to Darren and together they discussed career aspirations. Soon after, Darren connected Taj to a friend who worked for American Medical Response.

“I was a kid with lots of energy and this job gave me a specific outlet to channel everything into,” explains Taj.

Taj worked with the Gresham Fire Department for three years, and during this time, he and his colleagues made history. In a profession made up of only 8% Black firefighters, Taj and his team became Oregon’s first all-Black engine company. It was an impactful moment for Taj to realize he could create history.

After working in the fire departments in Gresham and in Portland, Taj joined the Marines, where he’s worked for two years.

“I still feel like the same person at my core, but I’m so much different,” says Taj. “I know now how I want to live my life and I’m more confident in myself and my capabilities. I wish I could tell younger Taj it’s all about figuring out your calling and who you are.”