The term “childhood trauma” refers to the effects—to the brain, nervous system, frame of mind and behavior—of extremely stressful event(s) that occur during childhood and overwhelm a child’s coping ability. Research shows that in-utero infants can also experience trauma if stressful events happen to the person carrying that infant. Examples of trauma include physical, emotional or sexual abuse; neglect; separation from loved ones; or unpredictable parental behaviors, such as those which occur with substance use or other mental disorders, or if the parent has unprocessed trauma of their own.  For many children, entering foster care is another traumatic event.

How Does Trauma Work?

When a stressful event (big or small, singular or repeatedly) occurs, the child’s brain responds with a survival stress response, including: fight (confronting the threat directly), flight (escaping from the threat), freeze (becoming immobile), and fawn (appeasing the threat by people-pleasing behaviors). . These stress responses help a child cope with the overwhelming situation and adapt to the circumstances they have no control over.  Stress response is automatic and initiated from our most primitive “lizard” brain. Therefore, it doesn’t involve the higher reasoning portion of the brain (not yet formed in childhood).

Trauma Triggers and Resulting Behaviors

When a child experiences trauma over time, their body adapts as if on autopilot to do whatever it takes to cope/stay safe (fight, flight, freeze or fawn). This adaptation becomes their stress response to their trauma “triggers,” things that remind them (often subconsciously) of the original traumatic event. Triggers often occur in entirely different settings and remind the child (or adult) of the original event that threatened their safety or nervous system.

Trauma triggers can be a sound, sight, touch, smell, feeling, place, someone’s expression, posture or tone of voice. The trigger drops the child right back into their need to stay safe in the way(s) that worked for them before, without thought. The child is not able to reason or consider the consequences or the effects of their behaviors on others. Triggers can seem unrelated to the child’s traumatic early life events but can be connected in a variety of ways. Homework, trying to fit in with peers, and angst about their family of origin can also move them into the same stress response behavior they first developed.

A young person might exhibit distrust, disobedience, disassociation, aggression, angry outbursts, willful non-listening, or defiance of the adult figure. Think of these behaviors as reflexes or automatic reactions. They are not thought out or planned.

And It’s Not Just Behaviors

Repeated activation of the stress response can also cause a child to experience a host of physical and emotional ailments. This is because stress hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline, trigger the physical changes needed to fight, flight, freeze or fawn. This can result in migraines, headaches, gut problems, acne, anxiety, self-destructive behaviors (cutting, eating disorders, substance use disorder, hair pulling), suicidal ideations, depression, and sleep difficulties, as just some examples.  These ailments can be another sign a child has experienced or is experiencing trauma.

Stay tuned for tips on handling troubling behaviors coming soon in Helping a Young Person Who’s Experienced Trauma – Part 2.

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.

There are more than 1,600 children in Sacramento’s foster care system. Though removal from their biological home may have been necessary, youth often suffer mental and physical effects from that trauma and subsequent adversities.

Without proper support, these young people can face futures ranging from low education attainment to long-term physical, emotional and mental health challenges. Statistics state that 50 percent will be homeless, unemployed, or incarcerated within two years of exiting foster care.

Yet there is hope! Our research-based services provide relational connections and other resources that equip youth from foster care to transition into happy, healthy, self-sufficient adults.

“Science shows that children who do well despite serious hardship have had at least one stable and committed relationship with a supportive adult. These relationships buffer children from developmental disruption and help them develop resilience…(Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child, 2015).”

Because of such research, mentoring is the heart of Aging UP. Mentors commit to be that one – a stable, supportive adult – to a teen from foster care. They are positive role models who offer visibility, support and resources. Mentors expose youth to new worldviews, interpersonal skills and constructive ways to spend free time. Most importantly, they offer support and friendship during turbulent adolescent years.

Because we believe everyone grows through new experiences, positive recreation is one of our pillar services. During one-to-one time with their mentor, youth enjoy activities and explore their interests. We also hold Group meetUPs, where all of our Mentoring Matches (teen with mentor) come together for fun activities in a stigma-free environment.

While fun is an important part of adolescence, we also equip teens toward self-sufficiency. Our UPshops are fun, hands-on workshops where youth learn practical life skills side-by-side with their mentor and their peers.

All of these supports are intentionally designed to give youth from foster care a community where they connect through relationship, grow through new experiences and are empowered to succeed.