Mentor Youth Aging Out of Foster Care with Impact Circles
Impact Circles expands the natural support systems of at-risk children and youth who are aging out of foster care by eliminating relational poverty.
Widening and strengthening youths’ relational “circles” helps them beat the odds against homelessness, incarceration, and unemployment. Relationships are the catalyst for life transformation and success, both during and after their time in the Independent Living Program.
This volunteer opportunity is currently available in the Greater Lynchburg Area only.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is an Impact Circle?
Impact Circles mentors are a group of volunteers who serve as mentors, encouragers, and advocates who commit to meeting with a youth every other week for one full year. Mentors must be over the age of 21 and pass a background check.
What happens during an Impact Circle?
One member will be the designated director of the group who maintains communication with Impact Living Services staff. The first gathering will be around a potluck-style meal in which every person contributes something to share. The following weeks will be a combination of story-sharing, goal setting, questions for accountability, and living life together.
What are the goals of an Impact Circle?
The strategy of an Impact Circle is to provide committed and consistent meetings with active listening and gracious communication. Circle members will focus on assisting the youth with setting goals and working toward meeting them. Circle members provide accountability and “life-on-life” mentorship to help achieve the goals set.
When do Impact Circles Meet?
Impact Circles meet every other week for one full year. While the hope is that the relationships will continue beyond this initial commitment, the expectation to meet consistently will not exceed one year.
Flexibility
We understand that there will naturally be sick days, vacations, busy weeks, and unexpected events that come up for both the mentors and youth being mentored. That’s why we believe in working together as a team! While the commitment is every other week, everyone will work together to pick up the slack when other team members need some extra grace.
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Life Skills Training
On the third Monday of every month, youth who are part of Impact Living Services’ Independent Living program collectively meet for a training session to cover a variety of life skills. Our Life Skills Trainings connect businesses and leaders with young adults aging out of foster care.These engaging and motivational trainings provide professional exposure and help define critical life skills for successful living.
This volunteer opportunity is currently available in the Greater Lynchburg Area only.