Become a Mentor

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!