The YWCA Greensboro Teen Parent Mentor Program (TPMP) matches moms with mentors who provide support and friendship as they navigate adolescence while pregnant or parenting. Mentors provide a minimum of 3-5 hours of contact with their mentee each month through texting, phone calls, video calls, in-person meetings, and attendance at TPMP meetings and events. Mentors and mentees decide on the level and methods of interaction they are most comfortable with.

Examples of ways mentors can show up for their mentee includes attending school events when parents can’t make it, talking mentees through a challenge, providing tutoring, talking about future college plans, or giving mentees a ride to TPMP programming.

Mentors are matched with program participants based on similar interests and desire for the same level of interaction.

 

Mentor Training & Support

Mentors attend an orientation and receive monthly check-ins to ensure they feel comfortable and confident in their role. We plan to offer relevant training on topics such as mental health first aid, trauma informed care, and motivational interviewing that help mentors in their role in the program, but that also help them build their own professional and educational resumes.

 

Mentor Commitment

We ask that mentors commit to the role for at least one year to allow time for trust and relationship to build. We understand student and work schedules, and are willing to offer flexible scheduling as applicable. Mentors are expected to provide 3-5 hours of contact with their mentee each month, but are encouraged to be in contact more frequently if their mentee needs and wants to. Mentors are expected to attend one hour Group Connection meetings once a month as their schedule permits, as well as other TPMP events, outings, and celebrations.

 

Mentor Requirements:

  • Adult female (18+)
  • Committed to provide 3-5 hours of contact monthly
  • Committed to serving in their role for at least one year

Download the flyer

For more information on volunteering as a mentor, please email Cayla Strahan at cstrahan@ywcagsonc.org.

If you’re ready to apply to become a mentor, click the button below.

Apply To Be a Mentor

Mentor Story

Crystal’s Mentorship Experience

 

We asked Crystal, a Teen Parent Mentor Program volunteer mentor, about her experience with our program and with her mentee, Aniya.

Read what she had to say!

Impact

How has being a mentor impacted you?


“It has truly been an honor to mentor Aniya. I value the trust she has placed in me by sharing her life and allowing herself to be vulnerable while also receiving support and guidance. Watching her grow has been both rewarding and inspiring. Mentorship has reminded me that although none of us are perfect, we can learn, grow, and stay focused despite the challenges we face. This is something I often encourage Aniya to remember as well.”

Support

In what ways have you supported your mentee?


“I’ve supported Aniya through encouragement, being a consistent listening ear, and helping her explore options rather than trying to solve everything for her. My goal has been to remind her of her inner strength, abilities, and resilience. I’ve witnessed her embrace her role as a mother with determination and love, and I continue to encourage her to pursue her goals without limits. Sometimes the most impactful support is offering hope and reminding someone of what they are truly capable of.”

Advice

What would you say to someone considering being a mentor?


“I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone interested to become a mentor because it is an incredibly rewarding experience. The opportunity to be a source of support in a mom’s and child’s life is powerful and meaningful. Many young mothers may not have someone outside of their family who they can lean on or relate to. As a mentor, you can be that light and reminder that they still matter and can achieve their goals. My advice is to know your “why” for mentoring and be willing to show up with patience, compassion, and consistency.”