The Story Behind The Penny Per Mile Challenge

Jul 27
4 min read

Updated: Jul 29

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 employee, Lauren Hutchinson, and her commitment as a Faithful Friends mentor to a 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 Employee of Craig Smith

How did you find out about Faithful Friends?

"I learned about Faithful Friends through an announcement at Bridgetown 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, 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 supported."

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

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

With a sister 12 years older, Laysha often felt like an only child and was naturally shy and reserved. After seeing the positive impact mentoring had on her niece, my mentee’s mom Lisa decided to sign up Laysha as well. Lisa hoped a mentor would give her another trusted adult to encourage her confidence and help her try new things.

Za’laysha warmed up to me surprisingly fast, and within a few weeks, we both realized an hour together never felt like enough time.

We had parks to explore, hide-and-seek to play, boba tea to drink, cookies to bake, and silly videos to make. Over the years, I had the privilege of introducing her to sporting events like the Portland Timbers, Trail Blazers and Hillsboro Hops.

She was skeptical every time we arrived but somehow always left a superfan! We’ve also spent countless afternoons at the park, playing Pokemon monopoly, and swimming.

Today, our relationship looks a little different. As she’s become a teenager, we don’t run around playgrounds like we used to, but we still make time to connect. Whether we’re hitting the McDonald’s drive through, building dolphin LEGO sets or letting her do my hair and makeup (better than I ever could), our relationship continues to evolve.”

What has being a mentor taught you so far?

"During a recent hang out, I came back from my room to find my mentee curled up on the couch, fast asleep. Years ago, I might’ve wondered if I was doing enough. Instead, I smiled. My home had become a place where she felt safe enough to rest.

I've learned that mentorship isn't about constantly entertaining someone or having all the right words. "It's about offering your presence. By showing up consistently and putting distractions aside, you communicate a powerful message: 'You matter, and I'm delighted to be here with you.'

"I've come to believe that God often does His best work through our ordinary faithfulness."

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 that mentorship is a gift that blesses your life just as much.”

BECOME A MENTOR

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. Faithful Friends had already been investing in the lives of younger children through mentorship, while Braking Cycles expanded that vision by creating opportunities for at-risk youth through job training at the Braking Cycles Coffee & Bike Shop and their housing programs.

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.

Looking back, it’s amazing to see how God wove together my journey with Craig’s family. From a chance meeting at church, to a shared workplace, a mentorship match, and a dream of riding bikes across the country. Every piece is now being used to remind youth that they matter."

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