Emily* is a teenager.  In many ways, she’s like her peers. She studies for tests and does homework while navigating deeper issues like identity and fitting in. Emily deals with other complexities too, issues many of her peers don’t. She endured repeated trauma as a child and now lives in foster care.

Emily has moved between foster homes and schools several times. The uncertainty has made forming connections to other people difficult at times. Promising friendships have ended when Emily moved away. But there’s been one consistent presence in her life for the past four years, Elaine, Emily’s Wonder mentor with Stanford Sierra Youth & Families. The Wonder Mentoring Program serves youth who have been impacted by foster care by matching them with adult mentors from the community.

Emily and her Wonder mentor Elaine go to parks and museums. They’ve seen concerts, eaten at restaurants, and gone shopping together. They’ve been to summer camp and other group events too. These activities help Emily discover new interests and develop her talents. Just as importantly, the time she spends with Elaine empowers her to experience relationships as a source of healing and support. 

Recently, Emily had a disagreement with her foster parents over homework. Frustrated, she lashed out at them verbally. Later that day, she and Elaine attended a crafting workshop. During their time together, Emily told Elaine about her argument with her foster parents. Elaine listens openly and without judgement.  Sometimes she offers advice, but she never tells Emily what to do.

Back at home, Emily asked her foster parents if they could talk about what happened. Their conversation helped them understand each other more, and they resolved to deal with future disagreements by talking with each other calmly and respectfully. 

Every day, Wonder helps young people like Emily heal, grow, and develop the social and emotional skills that make life meaningful and manageable.

*Names have been changed to protect confidentiality.​