At Valley Youth House, we believe that every young person deserves guidance, encouragement, and a supportive presence in their lives. For youth aged 14 to 21 who have been involved in the foster care system, these connections can be life-changing. That’s where our Mentoring Program steps in—bridging the gap between challenge and opportunity, isolation and connection.
Offered in the Lehigh Valley (Northampton and Lehigh Counties) and Montgomery County, our mentoring programs pair caring adults with young people transitioning from foster care. Mentors provide consistent, positive support and form meaningful relationships that empower youth to improve their well-being and navigate life’s challenges.
Mentorship is about more than just guidance—it’s about sharing your time, knowledge, and resources to create a strong foundation in a young person’s life. With the backing of Valley Youth House, mentors help mentees find their footing and envision brighter futures.Becoming a mentor is simple and incredibly rewarding.
Q: What is the Mentoring Program at Valley Youth House?:
A: Valley Youth House offers its Mentoring Program in the Lehigh Valley (Northampton and Lehigh Counties), as well as Montgomery County. Our mentoring programs allow individuals to make a positive impact on a young person’s life through mentorship. The Lehigh Valley program serves youth between the ages of 14 and 21, and the Montgomery County program serves youth between the ages of 14 and 20, who are currently or have previously been involved in the foster care system. We help them to form mentoring relationships with caring adults who support them in improving their well-being and ability to create & maintain positive relationships. Mentoring is about sharing knowledge, time, and resources through a healthy relationship. A mentor offers consistent, positive support and a strong foundation in a young person’s life!
Q: How old do I have to be to become a mentor?
A: All mentors must be 21 years of age or older.
Q: What is the time commitment involved in becoming a mentor?
A: Mentors will meet with their mentee two times a month for one year.
Q: Is there a financial obligation involved with becoming a mentor?
A: There is no cost involved in becoming a mentor. Valley Youth House will provide mentors with a stipend of $50 monthly to be used for activities with their mentee. While mentors are more than welcome to spend additional funds on activities, it is not required and we encourage a variety of free or low-cost activities such as hiking, playing sports, watching movies, going to the park or cooking together. The possibilities are endless!
Q: What kind of experience do I need to become a mentor?
A: There is no specific experience required to become a mentor. Caring adults from all backgrounds are welcomed to apply for the program and will go through a screening and onboarding process to ensure they are a good fit. Mentors must also complete all required clearances such as background checks, etc.
Q: Does Valley Youth House provide any training or support for mentors?
A: Yes! Before becoming a mentor, applicants must complete the full onboarding process which includes an orientation and training with Valley Youth House staff. Staff will then meet individually with each applicant to determine who they will be mentoring, and what the rest of the year will look like. Monthly one-on-one meetings will be available with Valley Youth House staff throughout the year as well.
Q: What are the benefits of becoming a mentor?
A: The Mentoring Program at Valley Youth House is a fantastic way to become a part of a young person’s permanency resources. Even after the year-long program has concluded, mentors remain a supportive person in our mentee’s lives. Many of the young people we serve benefit from connections with people who are not program staff, therapists or case workers – and that is where mentors come in. Being a mentor can also help you become more familiar with the foster care system, share resources & knowledge with a young person, and improve their well-being and ability to create and maintain positive relationships.
Q: How can I become a mentor?
A: To become a mentor in the Lehigh Valley, please contact Arianna Stoudt at 484-773-1449 or astoudt@valleyyouthhouse.org. To become a mentor in Montgomery County, please contact Eric San at esan@valleyyouthhouse.org
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