Spence-Chapin’s NYC Teen Mentorship Program was founded in 2005 and is open to adopted people of high school age, 14-18 years old at the start of their participation year/semester.
For more information, please contact [email protected].
Founded in 2005, the adoptee-led NYC Teen Mentorship Program welcomes adoptees 13-18 years old to join in monthly events throughout New York City from September to June. This program functions as a group mentoring program connecting young adoptees with adult adoptee mentors 25+, creating spaces for fun activities and thoughtful conversations, all while creating new friendships and community. Discussion-based days center around the adoptee experience, identity formation, how to talk about difficult topics and how adoptees navigate new spaces as we get older. Registration is offered to families per semester, or per year.
Jessica was born in Bogota, Colombia and grew up on Long Island, NY. Jessica is a wife and mother to two young children. Currently, the Associate Director of the Family & Community Support Department at Spence-Chapin, Jessica creates and oversees all community programming that supports adopted people and their families. Jessica was one of the founding Mentors in the NYC Teen Mentorship program which began in 2005, she now facilitates the program. As an Adoptee Advocate, Jessica has worked in adoptee spaces for over 20 creating programming that uplifts and centers the adoptee voice & experience.
Our Mentors are all Adoptees themselves!
They volunteer as Mentors because they understand the importance of having Adoptee-centered spaces and creating positive role models for young Adoptees.
Every year, we welcome new faces into our group, and this year is no different! Some Mentors return year after year because this program has made such an impact on them.
Our Mentors are passionate about the work they do in creating open spaces for our adoptive community to connect and learn from one another.
GET TO KNOW OUR MENTORS!
Ross
Sydney
Cristina
Colby
Ruby
Cristina
Luke
Halle
Jacqueline
Doreen
Liz
Yuriy
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.
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©2025 SPENCE-CHAPIN SERVICES TO FAMILIES AND CHILDREN A REGISTERED 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION WITH EIN 13-1834590
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