Anchor Mentors
Most young people in foster care have had more caseworkers than birthdays. An Anchor stays.
Anchor Mentors pairs each young adult with one volunteer for a minimum of two years. Matches are made by our mentoring staff after an interview on both sides, and the young adult always has the final say.
Mentors meet with their match at least twice a month, check in by text weekly, and join a monthly mentor circle with other volunteers and a licensed clinician. We train mentors on trauma, boundaries, and the practical realities of leaving care.
The longest active match in the program began in 2012. Our average match now lasts 3.4 years.
What you get
- One adult who chose you
- Two meetups a month, at minimum
- Help with the real stuff: applications, interviews, car trouble
- Someone in the audience at graduation
Questions
What if my mentor and I don't click?
Say so. We'll talk it through and rematch you if that's what you want. It happens and it's fine.
Is my mentor a counselor?
No. Mentors are trained volunteers. If you want counseling, Wellbeing can set that up separately.
Often paired with
- HousingLanding HomesFurnished apartments with up to 24 months of rent support, a key on day one, and someone to call when the pipe bursts.
- Education and workPathwaysGED to graduate school, apprenticeships to first paychecks. Paid training, tuition help, and an employer network that hires our people.
- Life skills and moneyLife LabThe stuff nobody taught you, taught by people who had to learn it the hard way. Plus a savings match that doubles every dollar.