We are thrilled about this growing movement that recognizes the impacts of mentoring. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to highlight the youth we serve and thank the incredible mentors who make our work possible.

Mentoring is more than just a one-time act of kindness. For us, it’s all about relationships and creating meaningful, long-term connections. We are honored to connect youth who have experienced foster care with screened and trained volunteers. Our mentors become trusted role models and friends. These relationships promote growth, resilience and a sense of belonging for young people who deserve it most.

Why Mentoring Matters for Youth from Foster Care
Young people transitioning out of foster care face significant challenges. Statistics* show that within just two years of exiting foster care in California, many experience harsh realities:

• 16% have been incarcerated
• 25% have experienced homelessness
• 40% are unemployed

These statistics paint an unfortunate and sobering picture. However, research** also reveals much hope. Many sciences continue to reveal that a stable and committed relationship with at least one supportive adult is the number one factor in building resiliency and overcoming trauma. Additional research*** recognizes that establishing lifelong connections can have the greatest impact on the overall well-being of youth from foster care. This is how mentoring makes all the difference—through relationships!

Aging UP is a Unique Approach to Mentoring
We serve 13-to-22-year-olds with foster care experience in Sacramento. Youth Today, a national nonprofit and independent news source, has noted that there are “only a handful of groups across the country that focus exclusively on mentoring foster youth.” We are proud to be among this small but impactful group of mentoring programs.

Our research-based services combine one-to-one mentoring, life skills education and positive recreational activities. This unique approach fills a much-needed gap in our community. By providing one-to-one engagement plus peer support, we create a sense of belonging. Mentors extend this by acting as cheerleaders, supporting their mentees as they navigate life’s challenges, and encouraging their successes.

Join Us in Celebrating National Mentoring Month

• Become a mentor: Be someone who impacts a young person’s life
• Support our mission: Donate or spread the word about Aging UP’s work
• Celebrate mentoring: Share stories about how mentors have impacted your life

Let’s make January not just a month of celebration but a movement of empowerment. Together, we can empower youth from foster care to thrive! To learn more or get involved, visit our website.

*Kids Count Data Center - California, FY 2020-2021, **Center on the Developing Child – Harvard University, 2015, ***Improving Family Foster Care - Findings from the Northwest Foster Care Alumni Study (pg. 52)

Once a mentee is part of the Aging UP community, they continue to be. When approached about her wishes, Davani asked to be matched with another mentor. Based on similar interests and personalities, a new mentor was quickly identified. Davani was matched with her second mentor, Cara*, in July 2021.

Within months of being re-matched, Davani was placed more than an hour’s drive outside of Sacramento County. That was no problem for Mentor Cara, who went above and beyond, traveling the extra distance to maintain time with Davani.

Davani continued to have placement changes and lived in 3 different foster homes before returning to an independent living program in Sacramento during her high school senior year. Through all of this—placement changes and uncertainties—Cara remained a constant in Davani’s life. In 2023, Davani graduated high school and enrolled in community college. Davani is now 19 years old and on track to receive two AA degrees in the summer of 2025.

It has not been easy for Davani to work and maintain good grades. Yet, she has remained committed. This past summer, however, Davani experienced stress, which required mental health services. Thankfully, she was not alone. Davani not only had her mentor but also our AmeriCorps Member Maya, who provides hands-on adulting support. Maya drove Davani to mental health services and stayed with her throughout the intake process, modeling self-advocacy. Mentor Cara took the following day off work so she and Davani could spend time together and enjoy a peaceful nature walk.

One of Davani’s recurring stressors was difficulty finding and maintaining a job. She continued meeting with Maya for hands-on support. Maya connected her with Compassion Planet, a partner organization specializing in workforce development. Davani now has steady work hours of paid, on-the-job training!

Back on track, Davani resumed courses but still felt overwhelmed and tired of working so hard without seeing immediate benefits. She was planning to give up after earning her associate degrees. She met with Maya to discuss this. Maya empathetically listened and explored future life scenarios with and without a 4-year degree.

Davani is interested in a career in law enforcement and realized the long-term benefits of gaining a bachelor’s degree. She now plans to transfer to Sacramento State University in the fall of 2025.

We are so proud of Davani and honored to offer her and all our mentees a caring and consistent mentor with resources and support from our program team. We are grateful to our community of supporters who invest in our mission and make this work possible—thank you! If you would like to join them, please visit agingup.org/give-support today!

*Names changed for confidentiality

From the comfort of your home, you can meet our co-founders to gain a clear picture of what being an Aging UP mentor is all about. During an interactive presentation, they will share all about the need for mentoring, the support we provide, and the steps needed to become a mentor. They will also address any questions you have.

So, what are you waiting for?! Sign up today to discover if becoming a mentor is right for you.

Upcoming Orientations (spots are limited and pre-registration is required)

Thursday, June 6| 5:30 – 6:30 pm

For more information, email Program Director Kecia at Kecia@agingup.org or visit agingup.org/become-a-mentor.

Though we recruit adult volunteers with long-term connections in mind, our program is a one-year commitment for both mentors and mentees from their match date. From the beginning, we train on the importance of a healthy closure. Through our process, mentors offer a unique and potential final gift to their mentees: a positive, healthy and meaningful goodbye experience.

Mentee Monica* and her mentor Cheryl recently experienced this. They were matched in November 2020, and though the pandemic made it challenging, the two went from an awkward introduction through Zoom to being special people in one another’s lives.

Cheryl has an energetic personality and used it with her creativity and advice from our program team to make the most of any challenges. Grabbing take-out to dine outside of Monica’s apartment complex was something they often enjoyed together. Of course, more than eating together was happening.

Cheryl continued to show up! She was a committed, friendly person. This created trust. Monica had a habit of dropping commitments with other people, but she never canceled on Cheryl. While they enjoyed many conversations over meals, the Match experienced a lot of meaningful fun together. Cheryl also provided first-time experiences for Monica. She introduced her to spray paint art, go-kart racing, horseback riding and other new activities.

There are many reasons why a mentoring match may formally end. Even though Monica and Cheryl grew a true friendship, other circumstances revealed that this Match would close at the end of their year. Working with our program staff, Cheryl prepared Monica in advance for their final visit.

After an afternoon of arcade games and pizza (one of their first activities together), the goodbyes took place. There were hugs, laughs and tears. Both expressed a desire to stay in touch, even though they won’t have the opportunity to see each other as they have.

We are grateful for Cheryl’s investment as a mentor and thrilled to have her as part of our community. As alumni, Monica will still have access to resources and support from our program.

Becoming a mentor was a huge leap of faith that gave Cheryl a newfound belief in herself. It also gave Monica a role model and a year of adventure. We are proud of them and wish them all the best.

*Mentee’s name changed for confidentiality