Pairing Teens with Mentors

Once the application and training processes are complete, mentors begin their experience with two group mentoring activities, where groups of mentors and teens will interact and begin getting to know one another. The goal is to create natural matches by the end of the 2nd group mentoring activity.

Mentors are approved based on individual background checks and personal interviews. However, to protect the teens and to preserve the integrity of the mentoring initiative, all one-on-one mentoring activities must be conducted in public forums.

“We want good folks, from all walks of life, to share some of their time and wisdom with Tennessee’s foster care kids. Every child needs a steady hand to help guide him or her into independent, adult living. By giving our most vulnerable kids – those living in foster care - that support, we boost their chances of successfully transitioning into the grown-up world.”

- Governor Phil Bredesen