Wonder Mentoring Program
Wonder Mentoring Program
Helping to improve the emotional and social well-being of children impacted by foster care
Wonder is a one-on-one mentoring program serving youth impacted by foster care, by connecting them with consistent, caring adults. Our mentors are there to listen, support, and guide each child through fun, age-appropriate experiences. Children who participate in the program are called “Explorers” and the adults who volunteer and serve as mentors are called “Guides.” Together, they participate in a journey of fun and exploration filled with Wonder moments.
A Wonder Guide may be the most consistent adult a child in care has in their lives and there is a minimum twelve-month commitment to become a mentor. All Wonder Guides are adults, 21 years and older who have completed a thorough application and screening process. These individuals value mentorship, collaboration, and are committed to making a positive impact on a young person’s life.
“Joining Wonder means making a commitment to another person and being the “fun” you wish to see in the world. It means nurturing a child who needs support and is growing every day. It means helping make a difference in someone’s childhood in a small, but important way.”
- Tish, Wonder Mentor; Matched 2 Years
BECOME A WONDER GUIDE
Attend an upcoming virtual orientation for more information!
2025 Orientation Schedule
We currently have 16 youth waiting to be matched with a mentor. 12 of these youth are looking for male mentors who are part of the LGBTQ+ and/or BIPOC communities. Join us at our next orientation to learn about becoming a Wonder mentor, email wonder@ssyaf.org or call (916) 344-0199 for more information.
Orientations are held virtually at 12:00PM, following the schedule dates below.
Celebrating Success
87 youth and mentors were matched in the Wonder Mentoring Program in fiscal year 2023-2024.
Travis has been matched with his mentor since he was 10 years old. He shares in this video how his mentor has been a constant source of support, helping him build on his strengths and, most importantly, making him feel truly seen and heard.
Leaders in Training
The Leaders in Training (LIT) program is an initiative offered by Wonder. This is an additional match-based program specifically tailored for our teen youth. LIT members play a crucial role in the functionality and growth of Wonder, by contributing significantly to the success of the various hosted events and collaboration with other programs at Standford Sierra Youth & Families.
The program entails active involvement of all LIT matches in activities such as leadership development skills, comprehensive training, annual camping trip planning, and community outreach. The aim of this program is to underscore the profound impact of mentorship on the development of our Explorers. This impact is reflected in the enhancement of self-confidence, self-worth, fostering a sense of belonging, and cultivating the ability to envision and plan for the future.