Fostering Family

The Fostering Family program has three different components: Long-term Mentoring, Mentor/Mentee Outings and Mentee Appreciation.

Research shows that mentoring can have a major impact on youth. A 1992 and 1993 study of Big Brothers and Big Sisters participants found that kids with at least a yearlong relationship with a mentor were 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 27% less likely to begin using alcohol, 52% less likely to skip school and one-third less likely to hit someone. At Fostering Imagination we believe that mentorships can play an even more important role in the lives of foster youth, who may otherwise be lacking a consistent adult role model. That’s why each of our youth is automatically enrolled in our Fostering: Family program when they join FI.

Long-Term Mentoring – FI strives to match every youth with a long-term adult mentor. Mentors wear many hats for our youth: from coach to advisor, advocate, role model and even friend. They also offer a consistent presence for kids whose lives can often be unstable and lonely. Mentorships can originate through our Fostering: Creativity program, Fostering: Discovery program or the Fostering: Growth program, as well as with individual mentors who desire to help a youth reach their full potential.

Mentor/Mentee Outings – FI plans four events each year to give mentors and mentees a chance to bond and have fun. These outings are scheduled during the period when FI programs are on break, so youth have a consistent connection with our adult mentors and their FI peers. Past events have included bowling, picnics, miniature golf, sledding and much more.

Mentee Appreciation - Because many of our children are no longer living with their families, birthdays and holidays go by without being celebrated. Along with Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, FI recognizes each child's birthday with a cake, gift and card signed by each member of the FI family.