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Founded in 2005, Spence-Chapin’s Mentorship are Adoptee-led and run programs for teen and tween Adoptees which meet monthly as a group with adult Adoptee Mentors.
As Adoptees, our relationship with our identity can be more complex than for others. In our meetings, we do activities, play games, and talk about adoption, our birth families, friendships, and what it’s like to be in a home where you may not look like anyone in your family. Most importantly, we have a lot of fun! Countless friendships have been made and many Adoptees feel like they finally have a space where people “get” them.
We understand Adoptees might be hesitant to join a group like this if they’ve never been with other adoptees before, and that’s ok, that’s true for many of us and we’re all figuring this out together. We are excited to have you join us!
For 16 years, Spence-Chapin’s Teen Mentoring Program has created a community for young adoptees in New York City and the tri-state area. And now our program is going nationwide virtually!
We are excited to announce the launch of our national group mentoring program connecting young adoptees ages 13-18 with adoptees 21+ in fun virtual activities and adoptee centered discussions. Our “mentees” meet with peers and older adoptees, their “mentors,” as a group to have conversations about the topics that are important to them: biological family, identity, and belonging. For many, it is their first experience being in a space with only adoptees! Our mentors, some of whom have been in the program for more than 5 years, understand the importance of their role and truly value their time with the teens. Often, the mentors learn just as much from the teens, as the teens do from them! Adoptees gain a place to see themselves reflected and a community where they can openly share their experiences and ask questions.
Founded in 2005, Spence-Chapin’s Mentorship are Adoptee-led and run programs for teen and tween Adoptees which meet monthly as a group with adult Adoptee Mentors.
As Adoptees, our relationship with our identity can be more complex than for others. In our meetings, we do activities, play games, and talk about adoption, our birth families, friendships, and what it’s like to be in a home where you may not look like anyone in your family. Most importantly, we have a lot of fun! Countless friendships have been made and many Adoptees feel like they finally have a space where people “get” them.
We understand Adoptees might be hesitant to join a group like this if they’ve never been with other adoptees before, and that’s ok, that’s true for many of us and we’re all figuring this out together. We are excited to have you join us!
The Junior Mentorship Program welcomes adoptees ages 10-12 years old within the tri-state area to participate in monthly group activities both in-person at our NYC offices, and within a virtual space. Junior Mentorship is a group for young adoptees to have fun, make friends, and begin their mentorship journey at Spence-Chapin. This group welcomes all adoptees whether placed through Spence-Chapin or not. Jr. Mentorship is facilitated Spence-Chapin staff who are adoptees themselves, along with adult adoptee Mentors who are 21+. Junior Mentorship Program dates are February 12th, March 12th & April 23rd, each event will be from 12-2pm.
Our son participated in the Spence Chapin Mentorship Program during Middle and High Schools. We have made friends with other families in the adoption community that have lasted through the years. Having a community to turn to in difficult times, whether adoption related or not, is immeasurable. Having mentors and mentees for our son to share his adoption journey with has been nothing but positive.
~Irene and John, Former Mentorship Parents
I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Mentorship Program and have many great memories from my time with Spence. I’m also still in contact with some of the friends I made during my time in the Mentorship Program. Spence has been very important to me and my family and I even supported it by collecting items for my Eagle Scout project to distribute to children waiting for their forever family.
~John, Former Mentee
This mentorship provided a safe space for me to explore my identity and be myself with full support and no explanation. There I formed strong relationships with people of all different ages and backgrounds, who were all bonded by the one thing that had previously always isolated me. This in turn fostered a confidence in me to not only recognize but take pride in the unique experience of being a transracial adoptee.
~Dana, Mentor for 9 years
Jessica is a Colombian transracial Adoptee and Adoptee Advocate. She was a founding Mentor of our NYC Teen Mentorship program and now oversees all Community Programming for Spence-Chapin. Jessica’s passion for connecting with Adoptees and their families has always been the driving force in her work and is the reason she continues to create spaces for Adoptee voices.
Our Mentors are Adoptees! They volunteer their time because most did not have a program like this when they were younger. Being a part of this group and hearing from their fellow Mentors and the mentees helps to sculpt their own identities as Adoptees. Mentors are passionate about the work they do in creating these open spaces for our adoptive community to connect and learn from one another.
We asked a few questions so you can get to know them!
Jessica
Lilia
Luke
Lily
Andrew
Dana
Andie
David
Sydney
Liz
Doreen
Rebecca
Patricia
Hear from Mentors, Mentees, and Parents about their experiences in the program.
Understanding the importance of community, adoptive parents are invited to participate in a separate monthly group. Topics include talking about adoption, advocating for your child and navigating birth family search. Parents whose children participate in the mentorship program are automatically enrolled. If your child is between the ages of 11 and 18 but is not participating in the program, you are welcome to join us.
©2022 SPENCE-CHAPIN SERVICES TO FAMILIES AND CHILDREN A REGISTERED 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.