Become a Mentor

Screening & Training

If you are interested in being a mentor you will need to go through the following process:

  1. Attend an Information Session
    • Held at the AFC offices (727 Atlantic Ave., Boston, MA 02111)
    • Occur two weeknights each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
    • Email mentor@afcmentoring.net if interested in attending
  1. Interview with Programming Staff
    • AFC Staff will contact you after completing an information session
    • Come prepared with your photo I.D., and your completed mentor application

  2. Participate in Training Session(s)
    • Mentors are required to attend 2, 3-hour weekday evening sessions or a 6-hour Saturday session. Topics include:
      • Overview of the foster care system
      • The effects of abuse and neglect on youth
      • Exploring your expectations as a mentor
      • Establishing boundaries with your mentee
      • Recognizing resiliency & building on youth strengths
      • Communication skills

Getting Matched with a Mentee
Once you have completed the above steps and have been approved to serve as a mentor, you will be assigned a Program Coordinator who will begin sending you mentee profiles.

  1. Find a Match that Fits
    • Once you and our staff have agreed on a match who will be a good fit with you, your Program Coordinator will then send your profile to the mentee’s social worker for approval
  1. Attend A Match Meeting
    • Your Program Coordinator will contact you to schedule a meeting at which time you will meet your mentee and his or her guardian for the first time

PLEASE NOTE: We ask for your patience during the matching process, as many of the mentees’ social workers and guardians are very busy and can be difficult to connect with. Our staff work hard to coordinate several schedules so please bear with us.