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MENTOR PROGRAM

About the Mentor Program

Empower is the only nonprofit across the globe offering a mentor program for children and young adults who have experienced the death of a parent.  Empower recruits, screens, matches, and supports mentoring relationships that have changed the lives of thousands of young people since 2013.

Empower’s Mentor Program offers year-round support to a child or young adult who has experienced the loss of a parent by connecting them with a caring and compassionate adult who can relate to their loss. Empower matches children with dedicated volunteers from the community, many of whom have experienced the loss of their parents at a young age. They teach children and young adults that “loss is survivable”, helping them build confidence and resilience.

BECOME A MENTOR

Mentors are 25+ years old and have experienced the loss of a parent. Mentors make a 1 year commitment and spend time doing normal, everyday activities with their Mentee.  Simply complete the form below and you will be contacted by a member of our program staff who will share next steps!

The Mentor Program varies by region, however, we continue to seek volunteers in all active regions to plan Empower events in their local communities for children and young adults.

BECOME A MENTOR

ENROLL AS A MENTEE

Children and young adults up through age 24 are matched with a Mentor who can relate to the loss of a parent. Children under age 14 must be enrolled by an adult, while children and young adults 14+ years old may enroll themselves. Simply complete the form below and you will be contacted by a member of our program staff who will share next steps!

The Mentor Program varies by region, however, we continue to offer Empower events for children and young adults nationwide.

ENROLL AS A MENTEE

FOR INTERESTED MENTORS

MEET WITH US

We make it simple and easy to get started!  If you are interested in serving as a Mentor, please complete a Mentor Inquiry (this will take less than 5 minutes).  You will be contacted by a program staff who will schedule a MEET + GREET in Zoom or in-person to share more.

 

COMPLETE AN APPLICATION

Once you have met with an Empower program staff person, you will be directed to complete an online application.  This may take some time to complete as you share more about yourself, upload screening documents, and more.

 

TRAINING & MATCH MAKING

After background checks and all screening procedures have concluded, Mentor applicants will receive a comprehensive training utilizing best practices from Mass Mentoring Partnerships (MMP) and the guidelines set forth in the Empower Policy & Procedural Manual.

At the training, you will meet other inspiring men and women who believe as you do that no child should grieve alone.  Before a match is made, Empower will share more about a mentee match in your community, and you will be involved every step of the way.

Safety and Well-being

At Empower, the safety and well-being of each child is our top priority. Our mentor program partners with Mass Mentor Partnerships (MMP) and follows best practices in screening, training, and monitoring guidelines for each prospective Mentor.

BECOME A DONOR

You can support Empower by donating to help fund the one-to-one matching and ongoing mentoring support unique to Empower. We know giving is very personal. Giving to Empower is life changing for a child grieving the loss of a parent.

Children are considered “silent mourners “and childhood bereavement is a national public health crisis. For the nearly 6 million bereaved youth across the U.S., research shows an increased risk of disrupted development following the death of a parent and higher rates of anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, job loss, early mortality, high school dropout, and imprisonment.

Help children and young adults after the loss of a parent reduce isolation, avoid risky behaviors, perform better in school, and increase their self-confidence. Above all, help them to see there is still a beautiful life at their fingertips.

Your support is more important than ever.

MAKE A DONATION TODAY