To Positively Impact the World
Albert Sparks applied to be a TeamMates mentor in 2011 at the age of 64. He was matched with his first of five mentees over the next 13 years and counting. Three have successfully graduated high school, one of whom graduated from college and went on to pursue a master’s degree. These impacts would be impressive for any TeamMates mentor. But Albert brings uncommon gifts to the table. Albert has been deaf since birth.
Albert attended the Nebraska School for the Deaf in Omaha from kindergarten through graduation where he was fortunate to have Dr. George Propp as one of his teachers (Propp later became the first deaf professor in the University of Nebraska system). Surrounded by deaf peers and teachers, Albert developed his skills and confidence as a member of the deaf community. He also honed his fluency in American Sign Language (ASL), his first language as the child of two deaf parents.
After he took a hiatus from mentoring to care for his wife, Albert returned to training. He participated fully alongside hearing mentors, sharing wisdom he’s gained from years of service with TeamMates, and listening carefully to what others shared through interpreters there to accommodate his disability. Everyone present learned from Albert, and he from all of them. As he often does, Albert also To Positively Impact the helped to dispel common stereotypes of deaf people as “slow” or “not very smart.”
This fall, Albert will begin his third year mentoring Antonio (name changed for privacy). The facilitator at the school says, “They both look forward to their time together. When Albert comes through the door, Antonio lights up. Having Albert to communicate with in sign helps Antonio grow his sign skills, confidence, and appreciation for ASL.”
A deaf child can feel hesitant in a largely hearing world. Albert’s mentees are not surrounded by other deaf peers and adults as they navigate school and life. So, he shares his language ability, regaling them with funny stories and life experiences. But even more importantly, Albert helps them claim their place in the deaf community. With Albert, they learn ways to deal with the inevitable prejudices that deaf people encounter while charting a course to the future they imagine for themselves.
His third mentee, Matthew, wrote, “I am so glad you were able to ‘break my ice’ as quickly as you did. I am a hard person to talk to, but after I met you, I felt more and more comfortable.” Matthew ultimately attended the conference of the Junior National Association for the Deaf, and became its secretary. He went on to attend Gallaudet University and earned his bachelor’s WORLD Lincoln 55 Plus - Fall 2025 - Final Print.pdf “They both look forward to their time together. When Albert comes through the door, Antonio lights up. Having Albert to communicate with in sign helps Antonio grow his sign skills, confidence, and appreciation for ASL.”
Right now, 500 local kids are hoping for a TeamMates mentor. Dr. George Propp’s daughter, Margie, is seen actively interpreting a TeamMates training.
Matthew ultimately attended the conference of the Junior National Association for the Deaf, and became its secretary. He went on to attend Gallaudet University and earned his bachelor’s degree. When he wanted to travel to France, Albert helped to connect him with the Lincoln Association for the Deaf in order to seek support for the venture.
TeamMates feels lucky to partner with Albert. His students are a testament to the difference it makes when someone you can connect with is added to your team.
You can make a difference in a child's life.
Right now, a young person is navigating life with one less caring adult than they need. To apply to be a TeamMate, call (402) 436-1990 or visit lincolnteammates.org to learn more.