GET INVOLVED
Show up for a child.
Walk with them for life.
A mentor is one of the most important people in a foster child's life. You don't need to be an expert, you just need to be present.
WHY MENTORSHIP MATTERS
One consistent adult can change everything.
Children in foster care often lack a stable adult they can count on. A mentor fills that role: someone to confide in, learn from, and lean on, not just during childhood but as they transition into adulthood.
Through this program, mentors are matched with children living in Lydia Home's residential care program. Young people need a consistent, caring adult in their corner as they work through some of life's most difficult seasons.
Research is clear: a consistent mentoring relationship dramatically reduces risk factors for youth, from poor academic outcomes to social isolation. The impact doesn't end at 18.
Who can be a mentor?
No professional background is required — just a willingness to show up consistently for a young person who needs you.
Good to know
Mentors are paired with youth based on mutual fit, shared interests, and the needs of the child. Lydia Home's team walks alongside you throughout the relationship — you're never doing this alone.
What mentoring looks like
The pairing process
Lydia Home matches you with a child in our residential care program based on shared interests, availability, and the specific needs of the youth, ensuring the relationship starts on strong footing.
Time commitment
Mentors meet with their youth at least twice a month. Visits can include shared activities, working on life skills, or simply spending time together doing something they enjoy.
Training & support
All mentors receive training before being matched. Our staff stay connected throughout the relationship, offering guidance and support whenever questions arise.
Mentorship Application Form
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Reach out to our team — we're happy to help.
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Teens and young adults preparing to age out of foster care have one of the greatest needs for consistent mentoring relationships. Youth at this stage benefit enormously from having a trusted adult in their corner as they navigate the transition to independence.
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No professional experience is required. Lydia Home provides training to prepare you for the relationship. What matters most is a genuine commitment to show up consistently for a young person.
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Mentoring relationships at Lydia Home are built for the long term. Many mentors continue to support their youth well beyond childhood and into adulthood — through college, careers, and life milestones.
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Visits are flexible and can look different for every pair. Some mentors work on life skills, help with schoolwork, or explore career interests. Others simply spend time together — cooking, attending a game, or going for a walk. The goal is connection.
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Safe Families PLUS is a Lydia Home program that pairs volunteer mentors with youth who are aging out of our residential care program. These young adults need a support person as they head into adulthood, and mentors play a vital role in ensuring they never feel alone in that transition.
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All mentors receive training prior to being matched and have access to Lydia Home staff throughout the relationship. Our team is available to offer guidance, answer questions, and connect you with additional resources as needed.
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Safe Families for Children — a movement co-founded by Lydia Home in 2003 — offers additional mentoring opportunities for those who want to make a difference earlier in a child's story. Safe Families mobilizes volunteer mentors and host families to support children and parents before a crisis reaches a breaking point, often preventing children from entering the child welfare system altogether. If you're interested in getting involved with Safe Families, visit safe-families.org to learn more.
GET INVOLVED
Ready to make an impact?
Fill out a mentorship application and our team will reach out to walk you through the next steps. The relationship you build could last a lifetime.