Despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, our incredible community of supporters came through in 2020. We are so grateful to grantors Golden 1 Credit Union, Capitol Network and Ticket to Dream Foundation. Their generosity, along with committed supporters and special donations through online fundraisers, enabled us to stay on track with plans to add another mentoring cohort this year!

It’s a pleasure to share that our Mentor Training Cohort 4 has begun! Out of 29 applicants, we welcomed 18 incredible adults. These individuals exude kindness and commitment and meet other criteria necessary to become an Aging UP Mentor.

Cohort 4 is very special. They are the first group to train entirely remotely. Typically, we hold 4 sessions, totaling 20 hours of in-person training. This has been revised to 6 sessions, totaling 14 hours of live virtual training, combined with independent work of completing activities and watching videos. To build community, mentors-in-training can network before and after each session. We also hold weekly Zoom drop-in hours for casual mingling and to discuss topics further.

Not only is this our largest training class, but it is also our most diverse group so far! Ages range from early-20s to mid-70s, and more than 7 ethnicities are represented. While the group is comprised primarily of women, we’re excited to have three strong male role models and will work to improve gender diversity.

Training is still part of our thorough screening process. It is also an opportunity for prospective mentors to ensure that we’re the right program for them. We believe each one has the potential to be a stable, supportive friend who can help a youth from foster care thrive.

We are so excited to continue learning with this group and preparing them to be the best mentors possible. Cohort 4, welcome to our community!

We matched Lexi with Raven* and the first meeting “was just like what training said. It was awkward.” They met in-person only two times before the coronavirus pandemic began. Due to scheduling challenges, it took nearly a month before they connected by phone. Lexi didn’t want that to happen again and remained diligent with texts and calls.

Lexi’s consistency has built trust with Raven. During a call, she noticed that Raven was emotional. With gentle prompting, Raven shared that she was afraid to move and lose her foster parents and also Lexi as her mentor. Lexi immediately assured her, “I can’t make your living situation change but I will be your mentor no matter where you move.” By the end of the call, Raven was laughing and looking forward to an activity they would do together over Zoom.

Not long after, Lexi delivered a pot, dirt and sunflower seeds so the two could meet over Zoom to begin their first planting project together. Since then, they have enjoyed many more conversations and games over Zoom, phone and text. Just as their seedlings are growing so is their mentoring friendship.

Recently, Lexi delivered some of Raven’s favorite snacks and the two watched a movie together over Zoom. They also have plans to cook nachos “with all the fixings” while on a video call together. Social distancing isn’t stopping this Match from having fun!

Lexi found Mentor Training very valuable and often recalls, “It just takes one adult. I tell myself; I can’t change her situation, but I can be there to encourage her.” For anyone interested in mentoring, Lexi says, “Do it!”

We are thankful for Lexi’s kindness, sensitivity, and creativity as a mentor. If Raven moves, we will be in contact with her social worker and new foster family to ensure she and Lexi remain connected and that their friendship continues to blossom.

*Name changed for confidentiality.