In 2018, Owensboro Times captured a photo of Daviess County Jailer Art Maglinger holding a sleeping child during the annual Shop with a Cop event. Nearly 5 years later, their paths continue to cross in a very meaningful way. The child, Noah Robinson, has become be part of Maglinger’s mentorship family through MentorKids Kentucky.
The photo’s caption read, “No job too small for jailer Art Maglinger.” MentorKids Executive Director Berly Tillman Sullivan said that statement still holds true.
“When I saw the picture, I had no idea it was Noah, and Art thought he already had a match,” Sullivan said. “When I had Noah stand up and say he needed a mentor, Art immediately welcomed him into their mentorship family. He told me the boy had a special place in his heart.”
The organization provides mentorship services to children from single-parent or non-traditional households.
Maglinger and his wife serve on the MentorKids board and have always considered the nonprofit an essential part of their lives. Maglinger said Robinson captured his heart when they boy fell asleep on him at the end of the long night of shopping.
“I’ll never forget meeting him for the first time. The little guy got tired and fell asleep right in my arms,” Maglinger said. “It’s a blessing to serve him. We just want to honor him and his mother and family and support them in all we do.”
When Sullivan called Robinson’s mom Kadi Payne to tell her the news, they both screamed excitedly.
“I called Kadi and told her I had found a mentor for Noah,” she said. “She said, ‘Please let it be Detective Maglinger.’ I said, ‘Girl, it is.’ It’s just amazing to see all of this come to fruition.”
Payne recalled the night 5 years ago, saying her son had fallen and Maglinger picked him up and comforted him.
Payne said Maglinger has always positively influenced her family, helping them out during times of struggle.
“Noah and I were both super ecstatic,” Payne said of finding out about the mentorship. “He’s such an awesome person, and he’s done a lot for my kids, family, and myself. He’s always been a great Christian and involved in the community.”
Robinson summed the reunion up perfectly.
“It means a lot to me that he is my mentor,” he said. “I am so glad that I have a man in my life who has been there for my family.”
Maglinger added that there is a waiting list at MentorKids, and they’re always searching for new mentors. As a jailer and lifelong law enforcement officer, he’s witnessed the difference MentorKids is making in the community.
“This is a great organization doing a lot for our community,” he said. “I want to make sure the community knows that. It pays dividends when we can support these kids and families. We’re excited to play a small part in Noah’s life.”
