Mentor Spotlight ✨ Tess + Ellie
Ellie (age 9) and Tess (age 30) were matched in July 2022 and although their stories are quite different, they’ve found a deeply meaningful connection.
Empower
ONE MISSION WITH TWO PROGRAMS
Empower’s mission is to support, connect and empower children and young adults up through age 24 who have experienced the death of a parent. Empower offers a unique one-on-one Mentor Program and year-round events.
All programs are offered at no charge to the family. Programs vary by region.
MENTOR PROGRAM
Guided by the science that tells us children learn best from someone ahead of them on their journey, Mentors help teach, “loss is survivable.”
Mentors have lived experience and can relate to the loss of a parent.
EVENTS
Events remind children and young adults they are not alone in their grief and build community through peer support.
All events are community-based, non-therapeutic and at no charge to the family. Events are hosted year-round and on difficult days such as Mother’s and Father’s Day.
MENTOR SPOTLIGHTS
Mentor Spotlight ✨ Arthur + John
Matched after meeting at our 2024 Father’s Day event, Arthur and John have quickly built a meaningful bond grounded in shared experiences, laughter, and adventure.
Mentor Spotlight ✨ Kaitlin + Maddie
Maddie and Kaitlin have been matched for 5 years and have been there for each other for some of life’s biggest moments.
Empower
A nonprofit supporting and connecting children and young adults who’ve experienced the loss of a parent 🧡
Today we celebrate Joanie and the incredible impact she has made on Empower. 🧡
As our Senior Mentor Program Coordinator, Joanie has been an invaluable part of Empower since the beginning, building the only Mentor Program in the world for children and adults who have experienced the loss of a parent with @carabelvin in 2015. Joanie has provided extraordinary support to Empower families and mentors for 11 years, making hundreds of Mentor matches, and providing training, screening, coaching and monitoring to Mentors; “picking up the phone” whenever anyone needed support or words of encouragement.
Through years of dedication, care, and commitment, Joanie has helped shape Empower and the community so many children and families rely on. Her presence, leadership, and heart have touched countless lives, and her influence will continue to be felt for years to come.
As Joanie steps into a well-earned “retirement,” we are filled with gratitude for everything she has given to all of us at Empower. We are lucky she won’t be far and we will find ways to keep her connected to our story and to our families forever. We are so grateful to you, Joanie. 🫶🏻
What started as one of Empower’s first virtual mentor matches has grown into a relationship that spans years, states, and so many shared moments.
Kelsea and Taylor were brought together through a shared experience of losing their moms, a bond that created understanding from the very beginning. What started in grief has grown into something steady, joyful, and deeply meaningful.
Though they live in different places - Los Angeles and Texas - they make a point to show up for each other throughout the year, and at least once a year in person. Most recently, that meant Taylor welcoming Kelsea to Fort Worth, where snow days turned into room makeovers, baking brownies, movie nights, games with family, and even a trip to the stock show and rodeo (cowgirl boots included 🤍).
Their connection goes far beyond planned check-ins. It’s built through everyday memories, shared laughter, honest conversations, and simply being there — whether virtually or in person. And next up? A birthday trip to California this summer, already being lovingly planned.
This is what mentorship at Empower can look like. Real, lasting, and rooted in shared understanding. We’re so grateful for relationships like Kelsea and Taylor’s that remind us how powerful connection can be. 💫
#MentorSpotlight #Empower #MentorshipMatters
1 in 12 children will lose a parent by age 18. Loss is life changing, but at Empower, we believe that no child should walk through it alone.
There are so many ways to get involved. Click the 🔗 in our bio to learn more about joining our community. 💙
#WeAreEmpower #GriefSupport #Mentorship #JoinTheVillage #parentloss
Meet Sam 💛
As Empower’s Vice President of Programs and Operations, Sam brings a deep sense of purpose and over 15 years of nonprofit expertise to our community. After the loss of her beautiful mother, Anne Marie, when she was just 17, she felt a powerful calling to help build the very support system she once longed for.
Sam has been part of the Empower family since the beginning, serving as one of our first volunteers and mentors, a role she still holds today, having been matched with her mentee, Erin, for over a decade. Now, based in Virginia Beach, she uses her passion for connection to oversee the systems that make our mission possible. When she isn’t managing operations, Sam finds balance by catching sunsets at the beach, volunteering locally, or bringing her competitive spirit to the kickball field. We’re so lucky to have her leadership on our team!
#meettheteam #griefsupport #healingtogether #empower
Ready to conquer the Falmouth Road Race? 🏃♀️
Team Empower is now accepting applications for the 7-mile race along the beautiful Falmouth coast! When you run with us, you’re never alone on the track. We provide full training and fundraising support, exclusive Empower swag to wear with pride, and exciting incentives as you hit your goals.
Whether you’re running in memory of someone special or to ensure no child grieves alone, your strides create real change. 💙
🔗 Click the link in our bio to apply for our team today!
#falmouthroadrace #charityrunner #capecod #teamempower #griefsupport
Interested in becoming a mentor?... Swipe to find out more!
Healing doesn’t happen alone. Mentors help make that possible. 💙
Ready to join our community or have more questions? Visit our website at the 🔗 in our bio or contact Ali at ali@weareempower.org!
#mentorship #grief #griefsupport #empower #nationalmentormonth
In honor of National Mentoring Month, we’re celebrating the relationships that make Empower what it is. 💙
To every mentor and mentee who shared their words, their time, and their hearts, thank you for showing what connection truly looks like.
These bonds are built on trust, understanding, and showing up for one another, again and again. We are so grateful for each and every pair in our community.
#nationalmentoringmonth