When Paths Cross with Purpose: Sungbin and Taylor’s HOMEGrown Journey

At Project HOME, community is more than a word for togetherness—it’s the heartbeat behind everything we do. Whether we’re working on the front lines or crunching data behind the scenes, our connection to one another is what powers our mission. And thanks to initiatives like our HOMEGrown Mentorship Program, those connections are not only possible—they’re flourishing.

Now in its second cohort, HOMEGrown was born out of something simple yet profound: the art of listening. Project HOME’s People and Culture department launched the mentorship program after hearing from nearly 200 staff members that craved more opportunities to learn, share skills, and feel supported. What started as a pilot quickly took root. With more than 60 participants in its first round and growing interest since, HOMEGrown is fast becoming a staple amongst our staff development programs.

Among this year’s dynamic duos are Sungbin Kim and Taylor Perkins —two Development and External Communications department teammates whose daily work rarely overlaps. Sungbin, Director of Database and Development Operations, is no stranger to mentorship. Nearly seven years into his Project HOME journey, he brings a calm clarity and data-driven mind to his work. Taylor, who’s approaching her two-year anniversary as Volunteer and In-Kind Gifts Coordinator, radiates a tenacious drive, and a willingness to grow—the ideal recipe for a mentee. Though Taylor was originally encouraged to join as a mentor herself, she chose to start on the receiving end of the learning curve. “I didn’t feel like I was at that point yet,” she shared, “but I was really excited to be involved.”

When Taylor found out she was paired with Sungbin, her first reaction was shock—after all, she’d been told the pairings would be across every department and over 200 participants. The match turned out to be serendipitous. “We work in the same area, but our paths don’t really cross. He was able to give me insight into things about our department that I hadn’t known before,” she said. “It was actually a great fit.”

Sungbin echoed that sentiment, admitting he was nearly a mentee himself this round. “I figured since I’ve been here longer, it made sense to be a mentor,” he said, though he admitted their match felt more like equals than a teacher-student relationship. “Taylor has so much experience in her own right. A lot of our conversations weren’t just about work—they were about how to ask for what you want, how to advocate for yourself, and how to navigate challenges.”

They met about every other week from October through January, with some flexibility built in. It was a rhythm that worked, and each session ended with actionable takeaways—like a mini roadmap for growth.

“We’d talk about where I wanted to go in my career, and Sungbin helped me set clear steps,” Taylor said. One major hurdle she faced was learning how to say no. “I was always so upbeat and willing to help, but it was overwhelming. Sungbin encouraged me to stand my ground and know my limits.” She’s been practicing ever since and setting healthy boundaries both professionally and personally.

From Sungbin’s perspective, the magic of the mentorship was mutual. “The best part was spending one-on-one time with a coworker I wouldn’t normally get that with. It creates a real bond,” he said. And while he appreciated the opportunity to support someone else's journey, he left the program with a deeper appreciation for roles different from his own—and a desire to flip the script next time. “Next round, I’d love to be a mentee. There’s always something to learn.”

Their story isn’t just about professional development—it’s about community. It’s about showing up for one another in meaningful, honest ways. Taylor was candid about the challenges of being newer in the workplace, balancing enthusiasm with boundaries, and finding her voice. Sungbin brought experience, empathy, and a willingness to be vulnerable about his own path. Together, they didn’t just exchange insights—they built a bridge.

Programs like HOMEGrown remind us that growth doesn’t require climbing a ladder alone. Sometimes, it means walking side-by-side with someone who sees the same mission from a different window. At Project HOME, we’re lucky to have those windows—and even luckier when we take the time to open them.

When asked what advice they’d give to others considering the program, both didn’t hesitate. “Just do it,” Sungbin said, laughing. “It’s not a huge time commitment, and you might be surprised by what you gain.” Taylor agreed: “Have an open mind. You might hear things you didn’t expect, but those are the things that help you grow.”

At Project HOME—where mission and heart intertwine—those small moments of connection can ripple out in big ways. Whether it’s offering guidance, learning to say no, or simply sharing space with someone new, the HOMEGrown Mentorship Program is one more way we weave together the vibrant, ever-evolving tapestry of our community.