Aging UP is a trauma-informed, strength-based mentoring program for youth with any experience in foster care. Our mission is accomplished through one-to-one mentoring, positive recreation, and independent living skills education (taking place both in-person and virtually) for Sacramento region youth (ages 13-20) who have current or former foster care experience.
Statistically, youth from foster care are our community's most vulnerable population. They face futures ranging from low-education attainment to long-term mental health challenges. Aging UP was founded in May 2016 by child welfare, mentoring, and nonprofit professionals who saw the unmet needs of local youth from foster care. They banded with other passionate professionals to design a unique program, intended to reduce and reverse these statistics. And it's happening!
See what our Mentoring Matches have to say:
"I grew up with people not being in my life so having someone to open up to is what I love about Aging UP. — 19-year-old mentee (matched 2.5 years)
"I'm so thankful to have you as one of the people that has stuck with me. …I'm glad I have someone that wants to stay." — 16-year-old mentee to mentor (matched 4 years)
"I'm a [positive] distraction. More than anything, he gets to be an 18-year-old kid and we get to go out and laugh." — Mentor Mike (matched 9 months)
"She asked if I had other mentees and I told her, 'Nope, I am just hers.' She then said, 'Yes, then you are my Cheryl!' It was at this moment I realized how important it is to these kids to have someone of their own." — Mentor Cheryl (matched 6 months)
Sacramento has more than 2,000 children and youth in its foster care system. They entered at no fault of their own. Approximately 10% "age out" annually. Unfortunately, too many enter adulthood in survival mode. They often lack relational support or sufficient life skills needed to become successful adults. However, research shows that the connection with a stable, caring, supportive adult helps youth heal from trauma and improves overall resiliency. Through mentoring, Aging UP helps youth from foster care thrive into adulthood!