debra of America's Youth Mentorship Program connects kids and teens with young adults who have shared in the same experience as them: Growing up with EB!
Through these meaningful, monitored matches, our volunteer mentors will be a source of support on a variety of topics. Our youth mentorship program is a virtual, one-on-one Zoom mentorship opportunity.
debra of America's Volunteers Mentors are young adults with EB who carefully accepted through debra's application & interview process and then matched 1:1 with a youth mentee with EB (suggested age 7-17) based on personalities, preferences, experiences and more. All parents and caregivers of interested youth with EB may enroll their child using the enrollment form below.
Once matched, each pair will meet virtually over the course of 6 months on debra of America's safe and secure Zoom platform. A meeting schedule (once per week, or once every two weeks) is individualized based on what works best for both mentor and youth/family.
The goals of the meetups are to benefit the mentee through constructive role-modeling, encouragement, and positive reinforcement. Friendships and deep sense of belonging are formed through these meet-ups, and a variety of recommended topics may be discussed but most importantly, the unique interests or topics of the youth take the lead.
Through meaningful discussions and insights into balancing EB, a social life, education & more, mentors provide the mentee a personal window into a possible future.
ENROLL NOW: YOUTH MENTEE ENROLLMENT FORM >>
The ideal mentee is looking to connect with a young adult with EB to become friends with, learn from, and share experiences. The suggested age range for a mentee is 7-17, but open to all individuals who are interested in being mentored.
For inquiries, email programs@debra.org.
APPLY NOW: MENTOR APPLICATION FORM >>
Our volunteer mentors are passionate about sharing their experiences growing up with EB. These motivated young adults are looking to make meaningful connections with their mentees and help them through the unique challenges of growing up with EB. Our mentors are good listeners who are there to help their mentee.
Desirable Qualities
Benefits for the Mentor!
All matches in the Youth Mentorship Program are professionally supported by our staff during the course of the mentorship. While this is a one-on-one mentorship opportunity, contact is made regularly to the mentor and mentee to evaluate the match and facilitate a healthy, productive friendship. Fun, virtual group meet-ups will also be hosted for all mentees and mentors to attend.
All accepted mentors are trained on best practices and must participate in mentor group discussions.
Sample topics mentors and mentees discuss:
Questions? Reach out to programs@debra.org.
