community partner highlight: betsy’s blankets

We want to give a shoutout to one of our community partners, **Betsy’s Blankets!**

Betsy's Blankets partners with Safe Families to deliver new blankets and bedding to youth in foster care, and others who need them most.
Betsy's Blankets has generously provided bedding for youth in our program, helping create spaces that feel comfortable, welcoming, and more like home.
One thing we love about Betsy's Blankets is that they thoughtfully consider personal preferences like colors and styles whenever possible. While bedding is a basic need, those personal touches can make a big difference for a young person settling into a new place.
***Thank you, Betsy's Blankets, for your generosity and for helping the youth we serve feel cared for and at home!***

wnba games

**Thank you** to all of our matches who joined us for the Chicago Sky game last week! We had a great time together.
We only have two more WNBA outings coming up this season - the next game is Saturday, **August 1 at 12pm.** We hope to see you and your mentee there!
As a reminder, tickets are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. All mentors and mentees, including alumni matches, are welcome to attend.
**Please be sure to save the September 17 game on your calendar as well!**

mentor support group

free training: Adopting a mentoring mindset

MENTOR Maryland DC is providing a free virtual training: Adopting a Mentoring Mindset, on Thursday, July 30th, 10:30am - 12:00pm (CST).

About this training: "The Mentoring Mindset is a way of thinking and interacting that places young people at the center of this work and allows those of us serving as mentors to be true partners in a young person’s journey. The session is appropriate for ANYONE who has touchpoints with young people- it's all about the mindset!"

If you'd like to attend this training, please register here.

“the belonging wound”

The organization Stable Moments shared a recent article, "The Belonging Wound", that is so relevant to the relational work our mentors do.

The article explains that, over time, many children in foster care develop a core belief that “I don’t belong.” This is no longer just a feeling, but an unquestionable fact to them. Their lived experiences have taught them this, which is why simply telling a child with words that they are loved or belong is often not enough.

The author dives into what she calls “The Belonging Wound” and explores six different ways this wound may show up for youth in foster care through how they engage with people in their lives, like their mentor. She emphasizes how words alone are not enough to heal belonging wounds, and the deep power of consistency in mentorship.

We highly encourage a read- you can access the full article here: The Belonging Wound.

TIP: Try showing up exactly when you say you will and setting consistent rhythms of communication. Remember one small detail from your last time together and mention it the next time you see them – small, repeated moments of reliability that say “I see you!”

reflecting: remembering our “why”

With the fast pace of our world and the city, it is so important to intentionally take moments to “remember our whys” that keep us present and grounded in how we are spending our time.

Why did you want to mentor? What made you specifically want to mentor a youth in foster care? Why is this important to you?

We would love to hear from you if you would like to reflect and share - shoot us an email at safefamiliesplus@safefamilies.net!

We are so thankful for your choice to see our youth and to consistently show up in a way that allows them to truly believe they are valued and they do belong.

july news