Foster Care

Lake and Geauga foster youth (12-24) participate in our foster care group mentoring program. Adult volunteers participate in weekly activities designed to build critical life skills for the teens as they age out of foster care. Volunteers drive the program’s success by offering consistency, guidance, and hope to the youth. This program meets weekly on Saturday mornings for Lake County and Tuesday early evenings for Geauga County.

Mentor Application
Mentee Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Potential Mentors

  • Adults ages 18 and older are welcome to volunteer. Volunteers must complete an application, interview, criminal background check, and reference checks. Volunteers are responsible for providing their own transportation to program activities.

  • Mentors participate in weekly group mentoring sessions. Geauga County programs typically meet Tuesday evenings for approximately 90 minutes, while Lake County programs generally meet Saturday mornings for approximately two hours.

  • Mentors are asked to make a minimum one-year commitment.

  • Activities are planned by the Program Manager and completed in a group setting. Programs include a variety of recreational, educational, life skills, and team-building activities that encourage positive relationships and personal growth.

  • This program focuses primarily on group mentoring rather than one-to-one matches. In some situations, a youth and volunteer may develop a strong connection and request a Community-Based mentoring match. These requests are reviewed individually with program staff, the group home, and the youth's caseworker when appropriate.

  • Volunteers receive program materials, a mentor handbook, and information regarding expectations, boundaries, youth safety, and program policies. Program staff review expectations during the interview process and remain available to provide guidance and support throughout the mentoring experience.

  • Screening requirements vary by program and may include:

    • Volunteer application

    • Personal interview

    • Criminal background check

    • Reference checks

    • Home visit (Community-Based Mentoring only)

  • Mentors receive program materials, regular check-ins from program staff, and ongoing support throughout their volunteer experience. Staff are always available to answer questions, provide guidance, and assist with any concerns that may arise.

  • There is no cost to volunteer in any of our mentoring programs.

    Program activities are funded by Torchlight. Volunteers may occasionally be responsible for incidental costs such as parking fees.

  • Mentors provide encouragement, support, and positive role modeling that can have a lasting impact on a young person's life. While every mentoring relationship is unique, mentors often help youth build confidence, strengthen social skills, explore new interests, set goals, and develop healthy relationships. Sometimes the greatest impact comes from simply showing up consistently, listening, and helping a young person know they matter.

  • Complete a volunteer application, and the Program Manager for your selected program will contact you to discuss the next steps and answer any questions.

Parent/Guardian of Potential Mentees

  • Youth, typically ages 14–24, who are currently in foster care or have previous foster care experience and could benefit from group mentoring, life skills, social-emotional support, and positive peer interactions.

  • Youth participate in weekly group mentoring sessions, typically held Tuesday evenings in Geauga County and Saturday mornings in Lake County.

  • Once each week during scheduled group mentoring sessions.

  • All volunteers complete an application, interview, criminal background check, and reference checks before participating.

  • Youth safety is our highest priority. All volunteers complete a screening process appropriate to their program, which may include background checks, interviews, references, home visits, and mentor training. Program staff provide ongoing supervision, support, and regular communication throughout the mentoring relationship.

  • Families and youth are welcome to share any preferences during the enrollment process. While we cannot guarantee a specific mentor, we carefully consider these preferences whenever possible during the matching process.

  • Mentors and mentees may meet at a variety of approved locations throughout the community. Meeting locations are determined collaboratively by the mentor, parent or caregiver, and Program Manager to ensure they are appropriate, safe, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

  • We understand that not every mentoring match is the right fit. If concerns arise, families are encouraged to contact the Program Manager. Staff will work with everyone involved to determine the best next steps and, when appropriate, explore an alternative match.

  • Mentoring provides youth with an additional supportive adult who offers encouragement, guidance, and positive role modeling. Through mentoring, youth can build confidence, strengthen social and communication skills, explore new interests, develop healthy relationships, and gain exposure to new opportunities. A caring mentor can help youth feel supported, connected, and empowered to reach their goals.

  • No. All Torchlight mentoring programs are offered free of charge to youth and families.

  • Yes. Foster parents, kinship caregivers, caseworkers, and other professionals are welcome to refer eligible youth to the program.

  • Families, caregivers, professionals, and community members may submit a referral through our website, contact our office by phone, or speak with one of our Program Managers to learn more about the enrollment process.

    You can also simply fill an application out by clicking the link at the top of the page.