“We take pride in meeting the youth we serve where they need us most.” Oasis Institute offers a unique partnership between teenagers aging out of the foster care system and mentors eager to share their life experiences, skills, and expertise to help provide foster teens with the tools they need to thrive. The Institute is recruiting 30 to 40 mentors for Epworth Children Family Services, providing these adults with the opportunity to make a positive impact. Training will be provided for adults looking to become mentors.
“Epworth has a long-standing relationship with the community and we are thrilled to be partnering with them,” said Stephanie McCreary, Oasis national intergenerational tutoring program director. ‘Grand Champions’ are the gateway to helping these teens become successful adults.”
“We take pride in meeting the youth we serve, where they need us most,” said LaTrina Hopton, Epworth Children Family Services program manager. “With many soon to transition into adulthood and out of the system, we want to be sure we equip them with what they need to be self-sufficient and independent – mentorship being a key component in these efforts.”
The new partnership will support teens ages 14-15, teaching them basic skills such as financial literacy, how to do laundry, how to clean a home, etc. Teens who have a trusted adult in their lives during adolescence tend to develop stronger emotional and social skills, Hopton said.
Over the 10 years Hopton has been with Epworth she has witnessed teens feeling unheard, misunderstood, and not seen. Some of the teens have no one or nowhere to turn to.
“Epworth wants to break that cycle,” she said. “We need more mentors that match the population we are serving.” Partnering with Oasis will help with bringing in more diverse mentors. Unfortunately, many foster care teens don’t have extended support. The program will bridge that gap.
Mentors must be at least 50 years old. McCreary and Hopton say they believe older adults can offer more time and a more consistent schedule. The program requires weekly one-hour meet-ups for at least one year. Many older adults can connect with the teen through former hobbies such as cars, IT work, and other commonalities.
McCreary said, “Older adults are an untapped resource.” The new partnership is right on time, with more and more youth community centers closing and young people needing something to do to help keep them from making risky choices. The program will launch this July.
“The Chafee Program is helping fill in some of those gaps. That extra mentorship helps the young people be successful,” said Hopton.
The foster teen organization supports children and teens largely located in North St. Louis County – while also serving other areas of the County and St. Louis City. The importance of representation and cultural understanding for the teens they serve is the focal point for recruiting mentors of diverse backgrounds, especially people of color, to make a lasting impact on the lives of these young individuals.
The mentors will have the opportunity to visit the foster teens in their homes to provide guidance and support. For those willing and able, additional time can be allocated by taking on siblings and additional teens, ensuring a comprehensive and consistent support system for these vulnerable youth.
The tutoring program director said, “By becoming a mentor, individuals can make a significant difference in the lives of foster teens, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the challenges of adulthood. The mentorship program aims to empower these young individuals, fostering resilience, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging.”
The Oasis Institute is a national nonprofit organization that promotes healthy aging through lifelong learning, wellness programs, and volunteer engagement. Epworth Children and Family Services is a leading provider of residential and community-based services for children and families in need. With a mission to serve children, youth, and families through a caring, accepting, and safe community, Epworth offers a range of programs and support services to help individuals overcome adversity and achieve their full potential.
These mentors will play a crucial role in assisting the teens with essential life skills as they prepare to transition from the foster care system. “It is beyond anything we could imagine,” said McCreary. To mentor and learn more email Stephanie McCreary at smccreary@oasisnet.org
Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.