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: Virginie Ligot
How long have you been a caregiver?
I have been a caregiver my whole life! As an 8-year-old in my native Belgium, I remember walking hand in hand with the preschoolers of our elementary school
patio during recess, thinking they must miss their moms or dads. I since
became a preschool teacher. Here in New Jersey, I have been a licensed
caregiver for the past 7 years. We’ve had three placements: one teenager and two toddlers. Our family likes long-term placements, foster to adopt, as we aim to
keep a lifelong connection and involvement with the children in our care, whether
their case goes to adoption or reunification. We’ve gone through one of each scenario, it can be emotionally intense either way.
Why did you become a Mentor?
Some challenges are unique to resource families, and I like the idea of growing links within this community. On the other hand, some challenges are universal to all
parents, and it feels good to chat with another caregiver over the phone or by text. During the PRIDE training, my wife and I felt spoiled to have a space dedicated to discussing parenting. We thought all caregivers (not just licensed) could benefit
from a question such as “What are some things you will lose when you become a parent?” Being able to express and discuss it was paramount in our decision to foster/adopt. I want to offer a similar space to another caregiver, a platform
where they can vent or look for answers to a specific situation for as long or as
little as they need.
What do you love most about being a Mentor?
The connection to someone who goes through similar life events. My personality
is “I can do this myself!” and I sometimes feel lonely and overwhelmed by my own fortitude. Being a Mentor helps me connect with other strong and brave caregivers.
It creates a dynamic where we give each other the strength to go on, even though
we don’t actually talk about this. It just happens.
When not in a caregiver or Mentor role, where would we find you?
Every other year, I treat myself to a week-long juice detox and yoga retreat in
Southern Portugal. That’s my secret to mental and physical longevity!
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.