Building Hope: How Mentorship Transforms the Lives of Foster Youth in Monroe County
Teens in foster care need relationships with caring adults to thrive and succeed as they transition into adulthood. Volunteering as a mentor is the perfect way to make a huge impact. Nearly one in three Americans grow up without a mentor. For youth who have experienced trauma and are navigating mental health challenges, having a cheerleader, a listening ear, and a pillar of support is life-changing.
HOPE585’s mentorship model harnesses the healing power of safe, long-lasting adult relationships to foster hope and personal agency, helping teens achieve independence and stability as they become adults. We believe that every youth in foster care in Monroe County deserves a mentor. Here’s why you should become one.
While system-impacted youth regularly encounter adults working within those systems, they are rarely able to obtain genuine and supportive unpaid connections. Youth in disenfranchised and economically disadvantaged populations have less access to non-familial adult mentors. HOPE585’s Youth Mentoring Program provides tailored mentorship specifically designed to meet the needs of youth in foster care by connecting them with relatable, dedicated, and trauma-informed community members.
Research indicates that youth with adverse experiences are twice as likely to benefit from mentorship designed with their circumstances in mind. A survey conducted by Michael Garringer and Chelsea Benning shows that Gen Z youth primarily seek support in navigating mental health challenges resulting from trauma. [1] Assisting in overcoming these hurdles and achieving their goals can reignite their hope and determination, significantly reducing the likelihood of vulnerable youth engaging in risky behaviors, and experiencing homelessness, incarceration, or death.
How you can help
Many youth cannot access formal mental health care due to stigma, cost, or logistical issues. Mentors can offer accessible, flexible, and ongoing support where professional services may fall short. They help youth navigate mental health challenges and pursue their goals, focusing on actively visualizing and creating a brighter future. A study by The Center for Evidence-Based Mentorship suggests that youth with access to mentors from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds may be better equipped to envision ideal career paths, utilize community resources, and engage in educational or career opportunities. [2] This increases their chances of experiencing upward economic mobility.
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Volunteers in our program have assisted youth in finding employment to maintain housing and resources, improving their grades through tutoring, staying in high school and college, obtaining a driver’s license, and much more. Youth in Monroe County need mentors now more than ever. You can help a young person find hope and thrive.
With the power to build enduring relationships that foster trust, emotional safety, and personal growth, you can change a life. Mentors provide emotional support, teach life skills, and help youth navigate personal challenges. Mentorship doesn’t require perfection—anyone with a caring heart and the will to commit can make a difference. Sign up to be a mentor with HOPE585 and learn how nurturing a life transforms your own.
Want to learn more about HOPE585? Visit our Hope Center and hear stories from our team about the impact we're making in Monroe County.
References
- Garringer, M., & Benning, C. (2023). Who mentored you? A study examining the role mentors have played in the lives of Americans over the last half-century. MENTOR.
- Meyerson, D. A. (2013). Mentoring youth with emotional and behavioral problems: A meta-analytic review (Doctoral dissertation). DePaul University. Retrieved from https://via.library.depaul.edu/csh_etd/56.