Silver Lining Mentoring

05/31/2026

Supporting young people impacted by foster care takes a community, and we believe in sharing what we have learned along the way.

Over the last 25 years, we’ve seen that showing up effectively requires more than just a good heart - it takes a trauma-informed approach and a commitment to consistent, relational support.

That is why we created the Silver Lining Institute Resource Hub.

Whether you are part of a mentoring organization or simply looking to become a better, more informed ally, we’ve made our expert-led trainings and toolkits completely open and accessible.

Because when we equip our community with the right tools, young people get the steady, reliable support they truly deserve.

Explore our free resources and share them with your network!

Access the Silver Lining Institute's resources for mentoring programs, including webinars and networking events.

05/30/2026

Joy, inclusivity, and community.

On June 6th, the Boston Pride For The People parade and festival will take to the streets, and we cannot wait to celebrate.

For LGBTQ+ youth navigating the foster care system, having access to affirming, celebratory spaces is absolutely vital.

Events like this remind our young people that they are seen, valued, and surrounded by a community that honors exactly who they are.

Let’s continue to build a culture of reaching across differences to support and love one another.

Learn more about the parade, the festival, and how you can get involved here: https://www.bostonprideforthepeople.org/

Mark your calendar. 🌈

This year, Pride in Boston will be held on June 6 due to the World Cup, and we’re getting ready for an incredible celebration of community, connection, and joy.

✨ See you there.

05/29/2026

For young adults navigating life after foster care, having a consistent, supportive relationship in their corner can change everything.

Could you be that person?

We know your time is valuable, which is why our e-Mentoring program is designed to fit seamlessly into your life while making a profound impact.

Next week, our team is hosting virtual Drop-In Information Hours. Whether you have 10 minutes between meetings or want to stay for the full hour, we invite you to pull up a virtual chair and say hello.

Come ask questions, meet our staff, and learn how dedicating just four hours a month from your device can help a young adult build essential life skills and reach their goals.

Next Week’s Drop-In Schedule:
📅 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
⏰ 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET

💻 Join us via Zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9833726335?omn=83833697568&jst=3

05/28/2026

This National Foster Care Month, we are reflecting on the many ways we can break down systemic barriers for young people.

We know that consistent, supportive relationships are vital, but staying connected shouldn't depend on what technology you have access to.

That is why we created our Digital Access Resource page.

It is a curated list of resources to help youth and their mentors access the devices, internet services, and tech support they need to stay in touch.

When we ensure every young person has the tools to connect, we empower them to build the strong, lasting relationships they deserve.

Explore the resource page and share it with your community today: https://www.silverliningmentoring.org/tech-resources-foster-youth/

05/27/2026

"Given the isolation many of these kids face, the bond with their siblings is, in some cases, the only long-term connection they still have."

This profound insight comes from a recent article by Rahsaan Mustafa-Coentro, a dedicated advocate and volunteer with Silver Lining Mentoring.

As Foster Care Month comes to a close, Rahsaan is shining a light on a crucial, systemic issue: the frequent separation of siblings within the foster care system.

We believe deeply in the power of consistent, long-term relationships to help young people thrive, and there is no relationship more foundational than family.

We invite you to read this vital piece on why keeping siblings together must be a priority for Massachusetts.

CommonWealth Beacon

IN NOVEMBER 2024, when I launched Kicking It Together, a soccer program for kids in foster care, I hoped it would be a fun, recreational outlet for

05/26/2026

Thank you to everyone who showed up to make this year's Match Gala such a remarkable evening.

Looking back at these moments, we are overwhelmed by the joy, connection, and deep commitment of the Silver Lining Mentoring community. Your presence sends a powerful message to our youth that they have a network of people who genuinely choose them.

Thank you for standing with us and for believing in the transformative power of mentoring!

05/25/2026

At the 2026 Match Gala, we proudly presented the Power of Two Award to mentee Ayden and his mentor, Shayne, in celebration of their incredible two-year match.

Their bond is a beautiful testament to the life-changing impact of trust, support, and genuine connection.

This National Foster Care Month, we are so honored to celebrate Ayden and Shayne, and we are deeply grateful to every mentor who chooses to consistently show up for young people!

05/24/2026

Research from Chapin Hall confirms what we see every day: the transition to adulthood is a critical, and often vulnerable, time for young people navigating the foster care system.

When youth lack a steady safety net, the systemic barriers they face - from securing housing to finding employment - become exponentially harder to overcome.

But the data also highlights the solution. Young people who receive consistent, ongoing support and services experience significantly better outcomes.

This National Foster Care Month, let’s remember that independence should never mean being alone.

It is up to all of us to build a strong community of support so every young person has the foundation they need to thrive.

Check out the full report below!

The Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 gave states more funding and greater flexibility to provide support to youth transitioning from foster care to

05/23/2026

This National Foster Care Month, we are grateful to our partners at FosterClub for continuing to shed light on the realities our youth face.

Behind that staggering statistic are incredible young people who deserve a steady, consistent community to help them navigate such a massive transition.

While we cannot always change the circumstances that bring youth into care, we can absolutely change how they are supported once they are there.

By stepping up as a volunteer mentor, you can be the reliable ally a young person needs to feel seen, valued, and empowered.

Learn more about joining our community of mentors today - https://www.silverliningmentoring.org/become-a-mentor/

05/22/2026

Yesterday, our team members Leah, Maria, and Ali had an incredible time presenting at the Massachusetts Conference on Volunteerism!

As Maria shared in the video, one of the best parts of the day was connecting with so many dedicated advocates and learning about the amazing community work happening across the state.

During our interactive workshop, "Beyond Orientation," we shared insights from SLM's 25 years of experience.

We explored how organizations can move beyond basic training to provide the ongoing, trauma-informed support volunteers need.

Because when volunteers are deeply supported and empowered, the young people in our programs get the steady, consistent allies they truly deserve.

A huge thank you to the Massachusetts Service Alliance for organizing such an impactful day of shared learning!