Silver Lining Mentoring

"Even when the world feels ugly and scary, I have at least one person who will look at me and say that I matter."

This powerful reflection on Pride captures the absolute core of why we do this work.

For LGBTQ+ youth navigating the foster care system, finding affirming spaces can sometimes feel incredibly lonely.

But when we intentionally step up to be that one supportive, consistent adult, we help create a world where every young person knows they belong exactly as they are.

Pride belongs here, and you belong here.

Pride Belongs Here LGBTQ+ young people deserve to feel pride in who they are, no matter where they live.Pride is here to stay, even if we all don’t celebrate the same way. By s...

Young people in foster care do not just need another program. They need a person.

At this year's Match Gala, SLM CEO Colby Swettberg reminded us of this core truth, and we are so grateful to the community that showed up to prove to our youth that they matter.

Learn more about how you can become a consistent, caring mentor for a young adult at the link in bio!

It takes an entire community to show up for our youth, and it takes incredible leadership to bring that community together!

A massive thank you to our 2026 Match Gala Host Committee and Board of Directors for their tireless work behind the scenes to make this year's event such a success.

Thanks to your dedication, vision, and generosity, more young people in foster care will be matched with the consistent, caring mentors they deserve.

We couldn't do this life-changing work without you!

Having just one accepting adult can drastically lower the risk of su***de for an LGBTQ+ young person.

Because these youth are disproportionately represented in the foster care system, Silver Lining Mentoring is committed to creating affirming spaces where they are celebrated for exactly who they are.

Swipe through to see the critical numbers behind our LGBTQ Mentoring Initiative and the community we are building.

We invite you to be that life-changing presence by learning how to become a volunteer mentor - https://www.silverliningmentoring.org/become-a-mentor/

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!

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

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.

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

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/

"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

Massachusetts must stop separating siblings in foster care 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