Inspiration Exchange Mentorship Program
A mentor empowers individuals to see their potential and work towards achieving it. They offer guidance, support, and inspiration, helping mentees navigate challenges and unlock their capabilities.
In the fall of 2024 we began to conceptually develop a new mentorship program for our mothers graduating to Second Steps. This mentorship program would differ from the one that First Steps had previously run where the singular goal would be reentering the workforce. This time it would be a more all encompassing match. The pairing would provide the young mothers with a source of support in their personal and vocational pursuits. We named the program the Inspiration Exchange, because we believed both parties had much to learn and gain from the experience. Potential mentors are screened and given boundary training . While the young mothers are also interviewed, and given training on what is acceptable from both parties. This is followed by some group activities, after which moms and mentors are paired off together to build their individual relationships. Some of our pairings have worked better than others, but Katie and Cassandra would be one of our more successful ones.
I feel truly privileged to mentor the incredible woman I’ve been matched with. Watching her continue to grow and gain confidence has been inspiring. I’m so proud of her, and proud to be part of a program that supports such meaningful transitions. - Cassandra
The Inspiration Exchange has made a big difference for me. Since I don’t get much support from my family, it’s nice to have someone who checks in and wants to hang out and do fun stuff with us. Coincidentally, my mentor and I both deal with chronic pain, which makes me feel less alone in my struggles. My son, Emery, always gets super excited about our outings, and it’s great that he has someone to share that excitement with! - Katie
Once a young mother has successfully completed her programming at First Steps she has the opportunity to move into our Second Steps Program. Second Steps offers a mother and her child subsidized housing and personal support and she continues to work on building a good life for herself and her child. Some of the mothers have a better natural support system than others. Unfortunately, some mothers have family relationships that are not the most positive, while others have no one at all. Can you imagine having a bad day and having no one to call? Or conversely having some very exciting news, and no one to call? Everyone should have someone they know cares about them.
Do you have four hours a month to dedicate to helping a young mother feel connected? Do you feel you could help another young woman build her career , or help her become the best mom she can be ? Would you like more information about becoming a mentor?
please contact Lori Logue at Lori@firststepsnb.com