Every year nearly 20,000 young people leave the foster care system with little, if any, financial support or adult backup. The purpose of the Foster Youth Mentoring Program is to provide these at risk teens who are “aging out” of the foster care system with some basic life and job skills so they will be able to become self-supporting. By volunteering just two hours per week, you can help improve the life of a young person.

Few young adults, even those from the most advantaged situations, walk out the door at age 18 ready to take care of themselves. Most young people rely on caring adults to support them with guidance, housing, financial assistance, and ongoing emotional connections. Young people from foster care often miss out on these supports traditionally provided by families. They may also have added challenges due to earlier abuse, neglect, and separation.

Volunteer mentors meet their mentees during a six-week training at the Sonoma Humane Society. Once the training is complete, an individualized program is designed for each student and his/her mentor. All mentoring takes place at the Sonoma Humane Society and mentors must commit to two hours per week for a period of not less than one year.
Volunteers must be at least 21 years old. If you are interested in volunteering please complete the volunteer application. For more information, send an email to Bkarzes@sonomahumane.org