Mentor Program
Our mentors currently serve in DuPage and Kane counties!
Are you willing to share your insight and expertise with an individual in need of guidance? Are you willing to listen to and serve as a trusted adult for a teen or young adult who is starting to think about their future? Consider applying to be a mentor today!
Our mentees are looking for people who are willing to help them navigate their transition into adulthood. Do you have experience looking for employment or housing? Are you able to set goals and determine appropriate steps for achieving those goals? Do you have experiences that have taught you how to maintain healthy relationships? Have you ever had to balance your finances as an adult, taking steps such as paying taxes, opening a bank account, applying for a credit card, or setting a budget?
If the answer is yes to any of the above questions, and you want to make a difference in someone’s life, then you are exactly the kind of person we are looking for! We’d love to have you join our team!
What does it mean to be a mentor?
Mentors act as trusted adults and positive role models to their mentees, and should be dedicated to establishing a long-lasting relationship. Applicants for our mentoring program should be good listeners, open to participating in different events and activities with their mentee, and willing to commit to regular in-person meetings on a consistent basis. The format of our mentoring program will include small group meetings, where groups of mentors are working collaboratively with groups of mentees, as well as individual meetings in public settings.
Transitioning into adulthood is an important stage of a person’s life, and our mentors are committing to provide guidance and support during that transition for their mentees. This will require patience, commitment, and communication.
Get Involved
Provide guidance and support to children and teens in foster care and other challenging life situations.
Requirements:
Minimum age of 25 years old
(if younger than 25, we can pair you with an older mentor)Have strong communication skills
Be able to relate to and connect with people of different cultural backgrounds
Ability to connect with mentee on weekly basis (2 in person meetings, 2 phone calls/remote per month)
Willing to commit to a minimum 1-year relationship
Willingness to consider a long-term relationship with your mentee
Ability to be flexible
Ability to respect your own and your mentee’s boundaries
Attend orientation meeting and complete required training (approx 6-8 hours)
Be able to pass background check, fingerprinting and interview
Diversity and Spanish-speaking a plus
Monthly commitment: approximately 4-8 hours
Interested in applying or looking for more information? Fill out the form to the right!
Refer someone for our mentor program:
Do you know a teen or young adult that could benefit from our mentoring services? Use the form below to refer someone to Fostering Success!