The Story Behind The Penny Per Mile Challenge

2 hours ago
4 min read

Updated: 2 hours ago

Every mile the Smith Family pedals on the TransAmerican Trail has a purpose behind it. Today, we want to take you off-road and share the "why" behind the ride.

It starts with Craig Smith's coworker, Lauren Hutchinson, and her commitment as a Faithful Friends mentor to a little girl named Za'Laysha. Inspired by Lauren's relationship with her mentee, the Smith Family has raised over $5,000 toward Braking Cycles' programs through the Penny Per Mile Challenge.

We sat down with Lauren to hear this story in her own words.

A CONVERSATION WITH LAUREN HUTCHINSON Faithful Friends Mentor and Co-worker of Craig Smith

How did you find out about Faithful Friends?

"I learned about Faithful Friends through an announcement at my church. What stood out to me was the simple but powerful idea that one faithful relationship can change the trajectory of a child's life. Looking back, it's amazing to see how God used that one 'yes' to not only connect me with my mentee and her family, but eventually inspire my boss to dedicate his cross-country bike ride to raising awareness and support for the organization."

What made you want to sign up to be a mentor?

"I was drawn to the opportunity to invest in one child through a consistent, long-term relationship. In a world where so much is temporary, I loved the idea of simply showing up, month after month, year after year. I hoped that by giving my time and being a steady presence, I could encourage a child to feel seen, valued, and never alone."

Share a bit of your mentee's story, and what your relationship looks like today.

"My mentee is Za'Laysha, or Laysha for short. We've been matched since St. Patrick's Day in 2022. She was just 9 years old when we met and now she's 13, '13 going on 30!' It's been such a privilege to watch her grow up before my eyes over the past four years.

She comes from a single-parent household, and one thing I've always admired is the loving, steady presence her mom has been in her life.

When we first met, Laysha was quiet and shy, navigating the social effects of the pandemic like so many kids, but it didn't take long for her personality to begin shining through.

Within a few weeks, we both realized an hour together never felt like enough. We had parks to explore, hide-and-seek to play, boba tea to drink, cookies to bake, and endless videos to make. Over the years we've shared so many firsts together: cheering at Portland Timbers, Hillsboro Hops, and Blazers games, painting pottery, swimming, and letting her do my hair and makeup more times than I can count.

One of my favorite recent memories is when she curled up on my couch and fell asleep. Years ago, I might have wondered if I wasn't doing enough. Instead, I realized something much more important: she felt safe.

That quiet moment reminded me that mentorship isn't about constantly entertaining someone. It's about building a relationship where they know they are welcomed, cared for, and can simply be themselves."

What has being a mentor taught you so far?

"Being a mentor has taught me the power of presence. I've learned that mentorship isn't about constantly entertaining someone or having all the right words. It's about offering your presence: being an adult who listens, who isn't distracted, who keeps showing up, and who reminds a young person, through consistent love and care, 'You matter, and you're not alone.' I've come to believe that God often does His best work through our ordinary faithfulness, simply showing up, again and again."

Why should someone become a mentor?

"I think everyone has something meaningful to offer a young person. You don't have to be perfect, have all the answers, or plan extravagant outings. You simply have to be willing to show up with consistency, curiosity, and care. You may begin the journey hoping to impact a child's life, only to discover your own life is changed too."

BECOME A MENTOR

"You may begin the journey hoping to impact a child's life, only to discover your own life is changed too."

How did you come to know the Smith family, and what do you do for them today?

"I first met Craig and Melinda Smith at church over a decade ago. We became friends, and a few years later they invited me to join their family's financial planning firm.

Over the years, Craig had a front-row seat to my journey as a mentor with Faithful Friends. He heard the stories, saw the joy it brought into my life, and watched my relationship with Laysha grow over time.

So when Faithful Friends became part of Braking Cycles, everything seemed to come together. When Craig and his family decided to ride their bikes across the country, choosing a ministry to support wasn't a difficult decision — God had already placed one right in front of him.

It's amazing to look back and see how God connected so many seemingly unrelated pieces — a chance meeting at church, a workplace, a mentorship, bicycles, coffee, and a family willing to ride across the country — all for the sake of helping more kids experience the kind of consistent, caring relationships that change lives."

ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE PENNY PER MILE CHALLENGE?

Every mile the Smith Family pedals across the U.S. is a chance for you to invest in a young person who desperately needs someone to believe in them. Sponsor a rider by the mile, or give a flat donation — every dollar goes directly toward empowering young adults to reclaim their stories and step into hope-filled futures.

START HERE