Heart to Heart
embrella’s peer mentoring program matches experienced kinship and resource parents with other kinship and resource parents who may need additional support.
embrella’s Mentors provide extra support, encouragement, friendship and guidance. They understand the concerns, issues and daily challenges of being a resource, kinship and/or adoptive parent as they have gone through similar experiences through being licensed in New Jersey.
Mentor Spotlight: Sharon Coney
How long have you been a caregiver?
14 years
Why did you become a Mentor?
I became a mentor because, during training meetings, I noticed that many foster parents—both new and experienced—had numerous questions and were often unaware of how to work with DCP&P in ways that could make things easier for them while caring for the children. I also wanted them to know they have someone who is willing to listen and offer support. Lastly, I want foster parents to be aware of the many great resources available through embrella and other agencies that provide valuable services and support for the children in their care.
What do you love most about being a Mentor?
I love being able to provide information and suggestions to some of their concerns that actually help.
When not in a caregiver or Mentor role, where would we find you?
Doing self-care and with loved ones.
Mentees can get help with...
- What to expect as kinship caregiver or newly licensed family
- Handling the many needs of children in care
- Adoption or KLG process
- Children being reunified
Mentors can...
- Provide a listening and supportive ear
- Encourage, coach, and guide
- Connect to embrella’s local Connecting Families meetings
- Refer to embrella’s Family Support Advocates for advocacy and additional support services
Please note: embrella’s mentors cannot provide legal advice or advocacy services
Interested in an initial conversation with a mentor?
Interested in learning more about what it is like to have a mentor? Complete the form below for us to set up an initial informal conversation between you and a mentor.
Interested in becoming a mentor?
We are always in need of new Mentors. Please use the map below to see which areas need someone with mentoring experience. Caregivers who speak Spanish are encouraged to apply to assist our statewide efforts.
Contact with Mentor is primarily by phone or email. Frequency and method of contact may vary depending on Mentor/Mentee availability and preference; however, once a month contact is an expectation of the program.
embrella is providing this Mentor/Mentee matching program to serve as a resource to the community. embrella is not responsible for the advice provided in the Mentor/Mentee relationship. Any information provided should be verified with a embrella Family Support Advocate. embrella does not guarantee the quality of advice provided in this relationship nor is making any representation about the mentor or mentee other than that both parties are or were a kinship caregiver or a licensed resource parent in the State of New Jersey.