Silver Lining Mentoring

09/06/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month.

Together, we can make sure every young person receives the support, compassion, and tools they need long before reaching a crisis.

Check out the carousel below for essential mental health resources, crisis support contacts, and ways to get involved in supporting youth well-being across our communities.

09/05/2026

A strong network of caring adults helps create school communities where young people can thrive both socially and academically.

Whether it is an educator offering encouragement or a volunteer mentor providing steady guidance, supportive relationships make a lasting difference in student well-being.

Check out these free back-to-school resources to learn how we can all cultivate deeper belonging for youth this year.

Relationships are at the heart of belonging at school.

Mentors, educators, and other caring adults help create school communities where young people feel known, supported, and connected.

This back-to-school season, explore our free resources for building relationship-centered schools: https://mentoring.org/campaigns/back-to-school/

09/04/2026

For 19 years, Jason had dozens of professionals in schools and residential care in his life.

Yet he considered himself a failure because he had not finished high school.

It was not until he met his volunteer mentor, Abby, that someone took the time to truly notice how he learned.

By spending time fixing cars together and earning his trust, Abby realized Jason was struggling with undiagnosed dyslexia.

In their TEDxBoston talk, Silver Lining Mentoring CEO Colby Swettberg illustrates why consistent, one-on-one relationships are vital for youth in foster care.

An unpaid, dedicated mentor brings something unique: the focused attention needed to help a young person truly thrive.

Watch this clip to see the profound difference one caring adult can make. Step up to be that consistent person: https://www.silverliningmentoring.org/become-a-mentor/

09/03/2026

Last weekend, Silver Lining Mentoring matches gathered at Spontaneous Celebrations for our CLIMB Health & Wellness Fair!

Our young people spent the day trying new activities side by side with their mentors—from meeting therapy dogs to practicing breathwork and learning about healthy relationships.

"My favorite part of the day was learning new yoga poses." — SLM Mentee, 19

A huge thank you to everyone in our community who helped fulfill our Amazon prize wishlist so our youth could take home incredible gifts!

We are also deeply grateful to all the amazing volunteers and partners who showed up and shared their time and expertise to make this day so special for our young people.

09/01/2026

Car shopping can feel overwhelming—especially without someone to walk you through it.

Do you know a young adult with foster care experience who could use some guidance, or are you the one looking for it?

Join our upcoming virtual workshop where we will break down the car-buying process, auto financing, and insurance in a relaxed, zero-pressure space.

Open to young adults ages 18 to 26 across the country with foster care experience.

Register using the link - https://www.silverliningmentoring.org/accessing-a-car-flash-mentoring/ , and help us spread the word to the young adults in your network!

08/31/2026

It is easy to feel like our schedules are too full to volunteer.

But when you look at the numbers, making a difference takes far less time than you might think.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average adult has about 153 hours of leisure time every month. At Silver Lining Mentoring, our e-Mentoring program asks for just 4 hours a month.

That is less than 3% of your free time.

In those 4 hours, a young person leaving foster care gains a consistent, reliable adult in their corner to help navigate school, career paths, and everyday life skills. You keep the rest of your time, while dedicating a few meaningful hours to help a young person feel seen, supported, and valued.

Ready to make those 4 hours count? https://www.silverliningmentoring.org/e-mentoring-mentors/

08/30/2026

"Young people tell us they are not seeking charity or special treatment. They are asking for relationships alongside resources."

Kamilah Bunn recently published a powerful reflection on her own transition out of the foster care system, highlighting how a single mentor helped her imagine a future beyond survival.

At Silver Lining Mentoring, we know that providing resources is not enough; young people need a steady, caring adult to help them navigate life's big transitions.

We highly encourage you to read her full inspiring article - https://imprintnews.org/opinion/young-adults-transitioning-from-foster-care-are-asking-for-relationships-not-just-resources/276167

08/29/2026

As August comes to a close, this is your last chance to enroll in FosterClub's Educational Stability course for free.

Frequent school moves are one of the biggest challenges for youth in foster care, and this course offers incredible insights into federal protections, the effects of school mobility, and lived-experience perspectives.

If you are a mentor, educator, or advocate looking to better support young people as they head back to the classroom, do not miss this opportunity.

08/28/2026

Car shopping can feel overwhelming—especially without someone to walk you through it.

Do you know a young adult with foster care experience who could use some guidance, or are you the one looking for it?

Join our upcoming virtual workshop where we will break down the car-buying process, auto financing, and insurance in a relaxed, zero-pressure space.

Open to young adults ages 18 to 26 across the country with foster care experience.

Register using the - https://www.silverliningmentoring.org/accessing-a-car-flash-mentoring/ , and help us spread the word to the young adults in your network!

08/27/2026

"I have realized I cannot fix everything, but by just being there I can make a difference."

Meet Betsy, a retired Human Resources Executive who has been volunteering with Silver Lining Mentoring for two years. Betsy supports her mentee with essential life skills, from navigating everyday challenges to building confidence for the future.

In our latest blog, Betsy shares what inspired her to get involved, how active listening has transformed her mentoring journey, and why consistent adult relationships matter so much for youth in foster care.

Read Betsy’s full spotlight: https://www.silverliningmentoring.org/volunteer-opportunity-boston-mentor-spotlight-betsy/