Silver Lining Mentoring (Adoption and Foster Care Mentoring)

Silver Lining Mentoring, formerly known as Adoption and Foster Care Mentoring (AFC)

What: Silver Lining Mentoring is a one-to-one program that matches youth (ages 7 and older) with caring, consistent adult volunteers. AFC Mentors volunteers commit to at least one year of mentoring, however, most matches last significantly longer. The average match length for AFC Mentors is 55 months. AFC Leaders is the group mentoring program that serves youth ages 14 and older as they prepare to "age out" of foster care. AFC Leaders is intended to provide the skills, knowledge, and supports necessary to ensure that youth can successfully transition to independent living. AFC Mentors program includes a specialized mentoring initiative for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in care, which seeks to empower LGBTQ youth to develop a positive sense of self and belonging through providing committed, community-based mentoring relationships with LGBTQ identified adult mentors. How: Mentors are throughly screened and provided with at least 7 hours of training. Matches meet for at least 8 hours a month plus weekly contact by phone, email etc. Mentors and mentees participate in various activities in the community or in the home. These activities encourage social development, and give youth opportunities to learn new skills and build strong relationships with their mentors. Clinically trained staff provide support to each mentor/mentee match.

Achieve consistent positive relationships, improve social skills, build resiliency, acquire independent living skills, promote educational progression, obtain employment readiness, obtain financial literacy.

Colby Swettberg, M.Ed., LCSW

Adoption & Foster Care Mentoring

Colby@silverliningmentoring.org

(617) 224-1305