Programs

AFC's main program is the Boston-based, one-to-one AFCMentors program, which brings together adult mentors and youth in care, such as foster or kinship care, residential care, or adopted youth. Our mentors are all positive adult role models with a variety of backgrounds, who receive extensive training and ongoing support from our committed programming staff.

We look for the following qualities in our mentors:

• At least 18-years-old

• Enjoy working with youth

• Meet with mentee at least 8 hours a month for at least 12 months

• Be able to accept and relate to youth who may have different lifestyles and values

• Respect mentees’ self-determination and independence

• Be encouraging and supportive

• Contact mentee weekly (phone, email, etc.)

AFC Mentors are encouraged to attend ongoing trainings, held every other month, that provide information on topics of their choice. AFC also offers free group events every two months that allow both mentors and mentees to connect with one another in a fun environment. Past examples have included outings to Red Sox games, movie night, bowling night, and an annual summer camping trip.

Currently, AFC is also strengthening the services provided to older youth through the implementation of a new program called AFCLeaders, which offers discussion groups, social and emotional supports, and job/life skills trainings to mentees 14 and older as they prepare to “age out” of the child welfare system. Our programs intend to teach youth that they are not alone in their foster care and adoption experiences, to help them set goals for personal success, and to support them through transitions in care (including the transition to independent living), in addition to providing the many proven benefits of traditional mentoring relationships.


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Mentors
Mentoring is an exciting and fun experience, one that has the potential to change both your life and the life of a youth.

Mentor application
Note: the application cannot be electronically sent to us.

Mentees
A mentee is 7 years old or older and has direct experiences with out-of-home care, such as foster care, adoption, residential care, kinship care, etc. Our mentees are from the Greater Boston area and are interested in having a mentor in their life. If you or a young person you know would like to become a mentee, please complete the application below.

Mentee application

Become a Mentor