Young Women's Mentor Program

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Program Description

The Young Women’s Mentor Program matches women in one-on-one mentor relationships with young women who are making the transition from foster care to independence. Through these relationships mentors provide friendship, support, and encouragement to young women during a critical time of change and growth. Mentors and their mentees meet informally on a weekly basis and participate in activities that they both enjoy. There are also optional group activities each month to bring all program participants together.

• Mentors are positive, thoughtful women of diverse backgrounds from Berkeley and Oakland. The YWCA interviews and screens each applicant to match quality mentors with mentees based on common interests.
• Mentees are young women, ages 17 to 21, from the Berkeley and Oakland area that have aged out of foster care or will soon be emancipating. Mentees volunteer to fill out applications and are not assigned to the program by parents or caseworkers.

The Young Women’s Mentor Program is intended to offer an open, caring relationship to empower and encourage younger women. A mentor is someone who can offer friendship and support with day-to-day issues as well as planning for the future. They can help mentees build self-esteem and confidence. In addition, young women make connections in the community and develop leadership, independence, and self-reliance.

Mentors also benefit from the program. They may be exposed to new ideas, cultures, and lifestyles while engaging in a community of bright, strong women. Of course, the outcome of the program varies, but generally, mentors can make a big impact, and both women find the relationship positive and rewarding.

If you would like to be a part of the Young Women’s Mentor Program, please contact the YWCA at ywmp@ywca-berkeley.org. We are always taking applications and making matches!

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