Our mentors are a diverse group of everyday people who make a special commitment to be a friend to a teen from foster care. Just like the teens in our program, each mentor is a unique and valuable member of our team.
Currently, our mentors range in age from mid-twenties to mid-sixties. They have different ethnic and cultural backgrounds and display a wide variety of interests. However, they all share several common traits. They are dependable, patient and open-minded, with youthful, adventurous spirits. They are also good listeners who display consistency and have genuine interests in supporting teenagers. Of course, each mentor also meets our minimum requirements and has successfully completed our trauma-informed, strength-based training.
According to Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child, “No matter the source of hardship, the single most common factor for children who end up doing well is having the support of at least one stable and committed relationship with a parent, caregiver, or other adult.”
Mentors are more than a friend or a role model; they help to build resiliency in their youth. Since teens in foster care often have fractured or severed relationships with parents and caregivers, our mentors fill the necessary role of being a caring, committed supportive adult.
Do you have what it takes to be part of our mentoring team? Contact Program Director Kecia at kecia@agingup.org.
