Providing mentorship is even more important during changing and trying times, especially for underserved youth. Friends for Youth staff and mentors are adapting by providing virtual mentoring support. Check back here for resources and updates!

There are many ways to stay in touch with mentees. But not all mentees have access to the same technology, so ask your mentee what the best way is to connect with them.

If your mentee needs technology resources, food, or emotional support, please let us know and so we can help. We are also regularly checking in with mentees’ families.

• Explore museums worldwide!

• Do the same... but with National Parks! 

• Eat a meal over Zoom together. (You might even send something via DoorDash to your mentee!)

• Share your favorite funny movie or YouTube video together using Kast or Zoom.

• Home Workouts! Try out these fun video workouts with your mentee!

• Try meditating! Set a timer for 2-5 minutes, close your eyes, to sit in silence or with calming music. Try the Calm YouTube channel.

• Create a gratitude jar and add to it throughout the week! When you’re online, pick a gratitude note from the jar and read it to each other.

• Learn sign language together! Google hand gestures & try them out over video chat.

• See what the penguins and otters are up to at the Monterey Bay Aquarium! View their live cams here. 

• Fact Swap: each pick something fun you've been wanting to learn more about, research it, then take turns sharing.

• Exchange recipes! Talk about your favorite food, share a photo of the dish, or even make it together on Zoom.

• Show & Tell: Show each other 3 things in your home that are important to you and explain why. Does it remind you of a story? Is it your favorite food or hobby?

• Watch this video on "How to Talk to Kids About the Coronavirus."

• Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus

• Checklist for building relationships:
  Search Institute COVID-19 Checklist

• Mentoring tips for the COVID19 pandemic:
  Connection in a Time of Social Distancing

• Especially during difficult times, it’s important to have conversations about mental health. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and San Mateo County is hosting virtual events! See their calendar here!

Always let FFY staff know if your mentee or their family needs resources or a referral to services so we can support both of you in the process.

• Here are our top conversational tips for checking in on your mentee!

• We also made a list of fun conversation starters to keep your phone calls entertaining! 

• Looking to improve your Zoom skills? Browse  Zoom's YouTube tutorials to learn more.

• Common Sense Media has great resources for online activities and learning:

  • Apps for managing stress: Helping Your Family De-Stress

  • Learning activities and tools: Wide Open School 

• Virtual Field Trips from Home