Become a Mentor

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ORGANIZATION: Extraordinary Families

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Extraordinary Families is seeking adult mentors for our youth currently or formerly in foster care ages 16-26.

Our Unlimited Possibilities for Youth (UP4Youth) program is dedicated to improving outcomes for youth and young adults from foster care. One way we do this is by engaging mentors who serve as a consistent, stable adult presence available to provide guidance, uncover options for problem-solving, share information, and assist youth with building strategies for accomplishing important milestones that are essential for being successful adults.

Far too often the term "foster youth" is regarded as synonymous with "troubled," "uncontrollable," or "flawed". Children and youth enter foster care because of exposure to trauma caused by abuse or neglect. Many youth have experienced multiple placements with foster families and/or have lived in group homes. Lacking the presence of consistent, caring adults undermines their stability and can contribute to a deficit in achievement of major developmental milestones. By the time these young people reach late teens and early adulthood, they are unprepared for independence.

Mentoring is provided through a combination of group and individual enrichment activities. The role of the mentor is varied. A mentor may assist a youth to build life skills, attend a community or social event, plan for educational attainment, or obtain employment. The ultimate goal is to provide foster youth mentees with tools and resources to manage transitions required to become independent, self-sufficient, thriving adults.

Adults wishing to serve the program as a mentor must meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Agree to a minimum one-year commitment to the program and to attend mentor trainings, as required
  • Commit to spending a minimum of 6-8 hours a month and communicate weekly with matched youth
  • Communicate regularly with the program staff and submit monthly activity reports
  • Have access to an automobile or reliable transportation, current driver’s license, auto insurance, and clean DMV report
  • Clean criminal history/Live Scan; never accused, arrested, charged, or convicted of child abuse or molestation
  • Negative TB test result
  • Free from alcohol or drug abuse
  • Offers skills and abilities related to program objectives
  • Live in Los Angeles County

Extraordinary Families welcomes a diverse group of mentors, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital or domestic partner status, political affiliation, or ancestry. We are seeking mentors with a wide variety of expertise, skills and experience who want to invest their time and talents to help a young person achieve his/her goals. Mentoring opportunities are available throughout LA County.

Contact us to register to attend our next orientation. We look forward to meeting you!

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About Extraordinary Families

Location:

221 N. Ardmore Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90004, US

Mission Statement

Extraordinary Families' mission is to help children and youth in foster care to have the childhoods and futures they rightfully deserve. Our vision is that every child, youth, and family in child welfare will have the ability to achieve their hopes, fulfill their dreams, and thrive.

Description

Extraordinary Families (EF) is a leading child welfare organization whose mission is to help children and youth in foster care to have the childhoods and futures they rightfully deserve. For more than 25 years, we have been a leader in foster care and adoption in Los Angeles, joining thousands of children, youth, and families. Our work consists of four primary efforts along a continuum of care: 1) training and supporting foster parents for children entering the foster care system, 2) joining children and families through adoption, 3) supporting young adults with trauma and child welfare history as they transition to adulthood, and 4) advocacy and public policy.

We take tremendous pride in our work to reduce childhood trauma, encourage safety and stability, and empower children and youth to thrive. Indeed, 95% of the children we serve experience only one foster home while under our care, a testament to our trauma-informed care model and ongoing individualized support for foster parents. We also help youth aging out of foster care make positive life advancements. We empower them to address past trauma and build skills focused on life improvement, employment, and educational advancement, and match youth with caring mentors to support them every step of the way.

Join us and make a difference in the lives of our children and youth in foster care!

CAUSE AREAS

Children & Youth
Community
Education & Literacy
Children & Youth, Community, Education & Literacy

WHEN

We'll work with your schedule.

WHERE

221 North Ardmore AvenueLos Angeles, CA 90004

DATE POSTED

March 27, 2024

SKILLS

  • Relationship Building
  • Critical Thinking
  • Youth Services
  • Community Outreach
  • People Skills
  • Social Work

GOOD FOR

  • People 55+

REQUIREMENTS

  • Driver's License Needed
  • Background Check
  • Must be at least 21
  • Orientation or Training
  • Minimum 8 hours a month; 12 months
  • Must complete an application, background check and orientation before being matched with a mentee

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