APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR AGE 16-24

12 Week Youth Mentoring Program

Meet with a Mentor twice a month for free.

Growing up is tough!

There is so much pressure on who YOU should be, what you should do, how you should look, what you should study, how you should feel etc…

When there is so much going on (yes, being a teenager and young adult is hard!) sometimes it’s helpful to talk to someone who is outside your current circle. Someone who knows nothing about you so they can bring a different perspective. They can hold space for you without any expectations or assumptions about who you are or what you should do. They can be there with you and just listen … truly listen.

IT IS SMART TO HAVE A MENTOR

WHY MENTORS ARE HELPFUL

While you are trying to figure life and ‘adulting’ out, our Mentors can hold space for you and listen. It’s like hanging out with someone who will listen to your thoughts, ideas, feelings and problems with an open mind and patient heart.

Nothing needs to be wrong with your life and you don’t need to have big dreams and goals.

Our mentoring program is open to anyone between the age of 16-24. All you need to do is fill in the application and commit to meeting your Mentor twice a month via Zoom or phone.

Nothing needs to be wrong with you.
You can be living your best life, and still have a mentor. everyone is welcome here.

some reasons why you might want a mentor

  • Maybe you are having some tough time at home or school and would like to talk to someone who truly listens. 

  • Maybe you are moving out of home for the first time and need help with personal budgeting. 

  • Maybe you have relocated to a new school / state and need to navigate a new city on your own.

  • Maybe you feel shy and you want to develop more confidence and social skills but don’t know where to start. 

  • Maybe you are applying for your first job and need help doing a resume and getting your foot in the door. 

  • Maybe you are full of creative ideas but get distracted easily and need help prioritizing your time.

  • Maybe you are having issues with friends and need help setting boundaries and saying no.

  • Maybe you have a strong sense of justice and feel overwhelmed by the state of the planet and politics.

  • Maybe you feel like you are always a couple of steps behind everyone else and want to be confident in yourself.

  • Maybe you are studying really hard and have become super serious, like you’ve lost your sense of fun and joy.

YOuTH MENTORING PROGRAM STARTS MARCH 5TH!*

The program officially starts with an online “Welcome Ceremony” on March 5th for both Mentors and Mentees.

*Applications close Feb 12th however there are limited spaces in the beta program and we will close applications early if all the spaces are taken.

  • A mentor is someone with life experience who can listen, hang out and provide supportive encouragement and guidance.

  • The 12 Week Youth Mentoring Program gives you access to 2 x 1 hour Mentoring sessions a month.

    We also have 4 x Community Connection events to support you.

  • The official program starts on Sunday, March 5th 2023 .

    Below is a list of key dates:

    • March 5th: Community Event: “Opening Ceremony & Intentions”

    • April 3rd: Community Event “Regulating our Nervous System”

    • May 1st: Community Event “Setting Boundaries and Saying No

    • June 5th: Community Event “Closing Ceremony”

  • It’s simple. Just fill in the application form and tell us a bit about yourself.

    Applications close Feb 12th however there are limited spaces and we will close applications early if all the spaces are taken.

    Feel free to invite your friends to join you on the Mentoring Program.

How it works

1. SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Fill out the application form and submit it ASAP. Applications close Sunday, February 12th, 11:59pm EST. We have limited spaces and will close applications early if all the places are taken.

2. ACCEPT THE INVITATION ONCE APPROVED
Once approved you will receive an email from us. You will need to follow the instructions in the email to accept and confirm your spot.

3. CONNECT & SCHEDULE
Once you have confirmed your spot, we will send you an email to connect you to your Mentor. We suggest you jump on a quick call to schedule all your meetings for the next 3 months.

4. ATTEND OPENING CEREMONY
We have a special Opening Ceremony (Sun March 5th) to kick start the program where you’ll get to meet other Mentors and Mentees.

5. SPEAK TO YOUR MENTOR TWICE A MONTH
We recommend an hour each time but feel free to shorten it slightly or go for longer if you need to.

6. ATTEND COMMUNITY EVENTS
The Online Community Connection Events happen once a month (dates listed below). These events are open to both Mentors and Mentees of all ages so you will get to meet others in the program

7. UPDATE US ON YOUR EXPERIENCE
Towards the end of each month, we will send you a short check-in survey. You can share as little or as much as you want. Everything you share with us is confidential (even from your Mentors unless you want us to share it with them). We respect your privacy.

IMPORTANT DATES TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR

Community Connection Events

These events are open to both Mentors and Mentees

March 5th

7PM - 8PM, EST
Community Connection Event
”Opening Ceremony + Intentions”
Online via Zoom (recording available)

April 3rd

7PM - 8PM, EST
Community Connection Event
“Regulating Your Nervous System”
Online via Zoom (recording available)

May 1st

7PM - 8PM, EST
Community Connection Event
“Setting Boundaries and Saying No”
Online via Zoom (recording available)

June 5th

7PM - 8PM, EST
Community Connection Event
”Closing Ceremony + Review”
Online via Zoom (recording available)

Eulanda Thorne, Trauma & Resilience Educator and Program Director

“all our mentors are volunteers who are familiar with the nurtured heart approach”

We are excited to have Eulanda Thorne as our Mentoring Program Director. Eulanda is a wonderful Trauma and Resilience Educator who will be supporting and guiding both the Mentors and Mentees at the Community Connection events. Get ready to be wowed by her big nurturing heart! Read more about Eulanda.

MENTEE faq's

  • If you are between the age of 16 - 24, you can apply to be a Mentee. No other requirements are necessary.

    We will always try and take on as many Mentees as possible depending on how many volunteer Mentors are available.

    If for any reason, you do not get accepted into the first round, you will be put on the priority list for the next round.

  • All mentors will need to go through a background check with Sterling Volunteers before they will be accepted as a mentor.

    If you have any additional concerns, please feel free to reach out to us hello@nurturedheartfoundation.org

  • We look at multiple factors when matching Mentors and Mentees. Eg. Timezone/location, any common interests, and any specific requests. The more you share with us in your application, the better we can match you.

  • We are here to support you in any way possible. If for whatever reason you are not comfortable with your Mentor, you can reach out to us at any time during the Mentoring Program through hello@nurturedheartfoundation.org.

  • It’s ok. Nothing is expected of you. If you are unsure what to talk about, your Mentor is likely to ask you questions to get the conversation started.

    If you are uncomfortable talking about any topics, just let your mentor know and you can both change the subject.

  • It’s ok and natural to feel shy when talking to someone new. It might take a few moments before you start to relax and feel comfortable. Take your time. There is no rush and only share what you feel comfortable sharing.

  • You are important to us and we would love to see you on each Community Call but we understand that sometimes things happen.

    If you can’t make the Zoom call, please let us know by emailing hello@nurturedheartfoundation.org (and yes, it’s ok to email us last minute).

  • Firstly, we think it’s great you are seeing a counselor or therapist! It’s probably best you speak to them and let them know you are considering the Mentoring Program and make sure it works for both of you.

    Note: Our mentoring sessions are not coaching, therapy, or counseling sessions.

  • No, just come with curiosity and openness to get to know yourself.

  • We definitely want to encourage all our Mentee’s to become a Mentor at some point (paying it forward is so rewarding!).

    However, we recommend you start with being a Mentee first. After you have finished your first program, if you want to switch to becoming a Mentor, please contact us.

  • We have a Closing Ceremony where we will review and celebrate your journey over the last 12 weeks.

    • If you and your mentor really get along and you both want to continue with mentoring, you can discuss and arrange this together (note: this is separate to the program).

    • If you liked the program, we will be hosting another round of mentoring in September and you are welcome to come back and join us again (note: you will be paired with a different mentor).

Bonus End-of-Year Retreat

All Mentors & Mentees will be invited to a private weekend retreat hosted by the Foundation. It will be an opportunity for Mentors and Mentees to meet each other in person while also being friends with other members.