Roots & Wings

Roots & Wings is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established in 1999. What started as a collaborative, community-based volunteer operation has grown into a well-established organization made up of professional staff, trained mentors and dedicated volunteers. From the beginning, Roots & Wings has been client-centered, providing nurturing... support, safe housing, educational support and practical life skills to young adults who have aged out of the child welfare system. Roots & Wings provides a foundation for this high-risk population of disadvantaged young adults on which they can build - replacing dependency with self-sufficiency. A vital part of our program is our mentoring program. We are currently in need of new mentors. Volunteering through mentoring is a great way to directly have an impact on the life of an individual. Each young adult in the Roots & Wings program is assigned a mentor, who provides constant support and assists the young adult in accomplishing his/her goals. All mentors must first complete a 12 hour Mentor Training Class offered by the United Way Mentoring Training. Once completed, an interview will be conducted to see if we have an appropriate match for you. Our mentors are asked to give a 2 year commitment due to the length of time the clients are in the program. Our mentors are given the unique opportunity to work with these youth as they transition to independence. In addition to weekly 1 hour meetings with the client there are 5 mentor meetings a year, a summer BBQ and a holiday party that mentors are expected to attend. Please contact Jenni Briggs, the Roots & Wings Program Director, if you are interested at 973.453.6668 ext. 102.Read More