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Junior Mentorship welcomes middle school aged adoptees to join in monthly events throughout New York City from September to June. This adoptee-led program was created specifically to give our pre-teens a space to make new friends, meet older adoptees and talk about the topics that are important to them. Mentees are joined each month by adult adoptee Mentors age 25+, who lead the group in conversation, creative activities, games, and team-building events. Designed as a precursor to our Teen Mentoring Program, Junior Mentorship often gives mentees their first opportunity to have mentors and make friends who share this deep connection of being adopted.
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
Rebecca Fiore is the facilitator of the Jr. Mentorship program and a transracial adoptee born in Curuguaty, Paraguay who grew up in northern New Jersey. Professionally, Rebecca is a therapist specializing in working with children and families as well as the LGBTQIA+ community. Rebecca has been a mentor for 5 years and last year joined as the Jr. Mentorship program facilitator. She enjoys being with her ever-expanding adoptee community as well as helping to educate all on adoption matters.
All Mentors who volunteer in this program are also adopted people who understand the importance of creating adoptee led and centered spaces for the younger generation. Mentors offer guidance, support, and share their experiences as older adoptees while creating safe and comfortable spaces for mentees to explore their growing identities. Some of the Mentors are former mentees themselves, and return to the program to become the positive role models they once experienced as kids in the program.
Every year, we welcome new Mentors! Each bringing their unique experiences and perspectives into the group, and some return year after year to continue on as volunteers because this program is so impactful to them.
GET TO KNOW OUR MENTORS!
Halle
Luke
Ali
Dana
Angela
Noel
Roberto
Licensed and authorized in New York, New Jersey & Arizona
©2025 SPENCE-CHAPIN SERVICES TO FAMILIES AND CHILDREN A REGISTERED 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION WITH EIN 13-1834590
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