Mentoring
Foster Youth Mentoring
The Foster Youth Mentoring Program has, for nearly a decade, provided the stability of a caring, consistent adult volunteer to youth ages 10–21 who are in the permanent custody of Cuyahoga County or have a Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (PPLA). Grounded in the nationally recognized standards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the program offers intentionally structured, high-quality mentoring relationships that promote connection, resilience, and long-term stability.
Mentor–mentee matches participate in two community-based, one-on-one outings each month, quarterly group activities, and annual match anniversary celebrations. Participation is voluntary, and youth are empowered with meaningful choice throughout the mentoring process. Young people have an active voice in selecting a mentor from a pool of carefully screened and approved volunteers, ensuring relationships are built on compatibility, trust, and mutual respect.
Over time, mentors and youth develop authentic, supportive connections through shared experiences, learning, and positive engagement. These relationships often become an essential part of the natural support system many foster youth lack, offering consistency, encouragement, and reliable adult presence during critical developmental years.
Youth are referred to the program by their guardian and the Cuyahoga County Department of Child and Family Services. Following referral, both the youth and caregiver participate in an interview to ensure the program is an appropriate fit and that the youth’s strengths, interests, and personality are intentionally considered during the matching process. Youth must be willing to participate and demonstrate the ability to maintain safety in the community with a volunteer mentor, who is not expected to manage behavioral concerns or crises.
Caregivers are essential partners in the mentoring relationship and are expected to communicate regularly with mentors to support consistent scheduling. Mentoring time should not be withheld as a consequence for unmet expectations in other areas, as consistency and relationship-building are central to program success.More information, photos, and videos can be found on Instagram and Facebook @FosterYouthMentoring.
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Jewish Big Brother Big Sister
The Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters program (JBBBS) creates meaningful, long-term mentoring relationships that play a vital role in helping young people build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of identity and belonging. A trusted presence in the lives of children and adolescents, mentors provide consistent guidance, encouragement, and positive role modeling—protective factors that are proven to support healthy development and emotional well-being.
What sets JBBBS apart is its clinical foundation. Each mentoring relationship is thoughtfully matched and supported by licensed clinical social workers, ensuring a high standard of care and ongoing guidance for both mentors (“Bigs”) and youth (“Littles”). This professional oversight strengthens relationships, supports families, and helps address challenges as they arise, allowing matches to grow safely, intentionally, and successfully over time.
Founded in 1919, JBBBSA has a proud legacy of strengthening lives through connection, mentorship, and community. Supported by generous community donors and the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, participation is offered at no cost to families.
JBBBS serves Jewish children and adolescents ages 6 to 18 throughout Cuyahoga and surrounding counties who would benefit from a stable, caring adult mentor. Adult mentors, ages 21 and older, complete a comprehensive screening, training, and matching process, including background and driving checks. Both mentors and mentees participate in a structured application, interview, and matching process designed to ensure compatibility based on interests, personality, and family input. Families are active partners in the mentoring relationship and receive ongoing support, including regular check-ins with a dedicated match support specialist.
JBBBS fosters lasting relationships that positively shape the lives of young people and the adults who mentor them, creating meaningful impact across generations.
“When I was 22, a friend convinced me to become a Big Sister with Bellefaire JCB. Pow! I never expected that my Little would become one of my strongest sources of energy. The past four and a half years have been such a meaningful experience for both of us. Hannah helps me see the world clearly and I help support her dreams.”
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