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!

The training was led by Program Director Kecia and included several guest speakers, videos and activities. The goal of training was to equip mentors to proceed in a strength-based, trauma-informed manner. A wide variety of topics were covered, with focus given to trauma and its effects on children, general foster care information, mandated reporter training, unconscious bias, mentoring practices, policies and procedures, and a Q&A with two former mentors.

Co-founders April and Kecia, along with Match Coordinator Bonnie, had a wonderful time getting to better know the mentors and they are excited to support each of them as they make connections with their youth.

This training was made possible by support from Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE). We are also grateful for the in-kind contributions we received. Our BIG thanks to UC Davis Extension for a wonderful training facility; to Chicago Fire on J Street, which generously provided our delicious final lunch; to Starbucks on Alhambra for hot and fresh Coffee Travelers, and to Bel Air on Elk Grove Florin for donating sodas. We are also thankful for our Administrative Volunteer Andrea and Intern Jordan, who helped throughout the training.