What is Emerge Mentoring?

Emerge is a place where you can be seen, heard, and supported. We match you with a mentor who will meet with you, encourage your gifts, and help you discover your God-given identity and purpose. Our mentors are trained to build developmental relationships—ones that help you feel safe, valued, and ready to grow.

Do I have to be religious to be part of Emerge?

No, not at all. Emerge is for all people regardless of their personal beliefs.

How do I get started?

Work with your guardian, clinician, or social worker...to complete the interest form on our website.We’ll walk with you every step of the way as you explore if mentoring is right for you.

What does a mentor do?

Your mentor will show up, listen, and care. They’ll check in with you regularly, talk throughthings you’re facing, and help you grow in confidence, faith, and vision for your future. They’rehere to support you, speak truth with love, and cheer for who you’re becoming.

Get Involved
Be the reason a teen feels seen, valued, and heard.

There are several important ways to get involved in providing teens with mentorship, guidance, support, resources, and life skills. Which way is best for you?

Become A Mentor

Develop a relationship that can change the trajectory of a young person's life.

Being a mentor is a privilege and an honor! You get to spend time having fun with a youth in foster care, get to know them, and build a relationship that impacts both you and them.

Why Mentor?

Research shows that teens with mentors are more likely to thrive in school, work, and relationships.

The Process

Apply
Interview
Attend a training
Get matched
Begin your journey with on-going support!

Resources

We require every mentor to participate in monthly gatherings to strengthen the community, experience shared learning, and develop as a mentor.

Apply To Become A Mentor

Partner As A Church

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" (Isaiah 6:8 NIV)

Why Partner?

Because mentorship is at the heart of the gospel. It is one of the best ways to make a difference in a young person's life. Together, we can help change the trajectory of youth in foster care as they seek belonging, identity, purpose, and hope.

Our church partners don't have to reinvent the wheel. Emerge Mentoring provides the structure, training, and support so your church family can answer God's call to "look after orphans" (James 1:27).

The Process

Contact us by clicking the button below to arrange a meeting to discuss how you can partner with Emerge, and to explore opportunities for members of your church to get involved. Together, we can fulfill our shared mission of "caring for the fatherless."

Partner As A Church

Make A Referral

Do you know a teen in foster care who could benefit from a consistent, caring adult in their life?

Who Can Make Referrals?

We welcome referrals from DCF/DCYF workers, schools, community agencies, faith communities, foster parents (see below) and other professionals connected to a young person's life.

How Does It Work?

Our team will review the submitted referrals, connect with you if we have any questions, and then reach out to the teen and their caregiver or worker to explain the program and next steps.

If Emerge is a good fit and has capacity in the teens area, we'll begin the intake and matching process to connect them with a trained mentor who can meet with them at least 4 hours per month for relationship-building, life skills, and experiences that support their growth.

Make A Referral

Foster Care Families

You provide safety and compassion.

Foster families are often the first to notice the depth of a child's needs and obstacles.

Foster Families - The Roles You Play

You are the foundation of safety and compassion that helps teens begin to heal. By joining the Emerge Mentoring Network, you can increase your impact by providing the love and stability teens need while gaining access to mentorship that helps them thrive.

Foster Families can refer youth through their state child welfare agency.

Why Foster Families Matter

As a foster parent, you are more than a caregiver - you are a pillar of healing and hope. You see the challenges foster children face every day and offer them the nurturing environment they need to rebuild trust and confidence. Partnering with Emerge Mentoring enhances that care, giving teens access to mentors who will guide them towards brighter futures.

Get Involved
Be the reason a teen feels seen, valued, and heard.

Become A Mentor

Develop a relationship that can change the trajectory of a young person's life.

Partner As A Church

Make A Referral

Foster Care Families

You provide safety and compassion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Emerge Mentoring?

Do I have to be religious to be part of Emerge?

How do I get started?

What does a mentor do?

Locations

Get Involved Be the reason a teen feels seen, valued, and heard.

Become A Mentor

Develop a relationship that can change the trajectory of a young person's life.

Partner As A Church

Make A Referral

Foster Care Families

You provide safety and compassion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Emerge Mentoring?

Do I have to be religious to be part of Emerge?

How do I get started?

What does a mentor do?

Locations

Get Involved
Be the reason a teen feels seen, valued, and heard.