VOLUNTEER AS AN E-MENTOR
VOLUNTEER AS AN E-MENTOR

Life after foster care can feel overwhelming, and finding support isn’t always easy. That’s why we created the Silver Lining Mentoring e-Mentoring program—to provide young adults who have experienced foster care with a mentor who’s there to help them navigate challenges, celebrate wins, and work toward their goals.

With busy lives and different schedules, meeting in person isn’t always possible. Our e-Mentoring program lets mentors and mentees stay connected using virtual means available on their phone or computer. Whether through video calls, voice chats, or messages, mentors are just a few taps away.

What does it take to be a good e-Mentor?

A Silver Lining Mentoring e-Mentor is a supportive adult who builds a consistent, one-on-one relationship with a young adult who has exited foster care to help them achieve their goals. An e-Mentor’s role is to:

connect regularly

Connect regularly through video chats and messages on our online platform/app.

trust and rapport

Build trust and positive rapport in order to offer guidance, information, and resources as their mentee navigates life after foster care.

listen and lead

e-Mentors listen deeply, celebrate progress, respect their mentee’s unique journey, and support their agency and potential for growth.

support encouragement

Offer support and encouragement as their mentee works towards their goals which could include finding a job, securing stable housing, or pursuing further education/credentials.

thought partner

Be a thought partner by sharing insights from your own experiences and learning.
young-woman-looks-at-mobile-phone-in-coffee-shop

What is the Commitment?

  • Commit to connecting approximately 4 hours a month for at least one year. This includes: approximately 2 meetings per month with your mentee via video at a mutually convenient time, periodic chat exchanges, and time spent researching information and resources to support your mentee’s goals and interests. 
  • Engage in a screening and training process that ensures suitability for this volunteer role and equips you with the tools to mentor. The process includes: a screening interview, 2 letters of personal reference, a CORI/SORI background check, a virtual training (includes self-paced and live interactive courses), and a post-training discussion and survey.
  • Maintain open and timely communication with the Silver Lining Mentoring staff, including your dedicated Match Support provider.

Youth Voice and Choice in Mentorship

At Silver Lining Mentoring, we prioritize youth voice and choice in the matching process. Many of the young adults we work with express a desire to connect with mentors who share aspects of their identity or lived experiences. Some of the most frequently requested identities include mentors who:

  • Identify as male.
  • Have personal experience in foster care.
  • Are Black, Latino/x, multiracial, or part of another community of color.
  • Identify as LGBTQ+ or gender non-binary.

We strive to honor these preferences whenever possible. However, what matters most is the presence of a caring, consistent adult. Regardless of your background or identity, you can make a lasting impact. If you’re committed to showing up and supporting a young person’s journey, we encourage you to apply to be an e-Mentor.

young-mentee-looks-at-a-laptop

Benefits of Being a Silver Lining Mentoring e-Mentor

    1. Make a Difference: Help shape a young adult’s future by providing guidance and support during a critical time in their life.
    2. Personal Growth: Gain new perspectives and insights about yourself as you learn from your mentee’s experiences and challenges.
    3. Build a Connection: Form a meaningful relationship and create a lasting bond.
    4. Enhance Skills: Develop communication skills, web research and resource identification skills, and problem-solving abilities while supporting your mentee.
    5. Contribute to Building Social Capital: Be part of the community that all young adults need to thrive.

Challenges You Might Face

  1. Building Trust: It can take time to establish a strong relationship and create a safe, open space for your mentee.
  2. Balancing Expectations: Helping a young adult navigate multiple or challenging goals, often with limited financial resources, can be tricky.
  3. Navigating Complex Issues: Supporting a mentee through difficult times such as housing instability, parenting, risky behavior, or personal struggles requires patience, good judgment, and a willingness to adhere to policies and utilize support from the Silver Lining Mentoring staff.
  4. Time Commitment: Regular check-ins and consistent support can require managing your own time and showing up even if you don’t feel like it (such as if a mentee repeatedly misses appointments, or is not interested in your guidance that day).
  5. Understanding Boundaries: Balancing being supportive while respecting a young adult’s autonomy can be a fine line to walk.