FIRE Mentoring envisions a future where every young adult in Arizona who has experienced homelessness has access to caring, supportive mentors who empower them to develop the skills and connections they need to thrive as independent adults. Through strong relationships and personalized support, our program fosters a culture of connection, belonging, and empowerment that promotes long-term stability, contributing to a more vibrant and equitable community for all.
FIRE Mentoring Connects young adults in Maricopa County who have experienced homelessness with caring mentors, fostering relationships that empower mentees to develop skills and connections for independence and success. We aim to provide a sense of belonging and opportunities for mentees to achieve their goals, supporting their transition to long-term stability.
FIRE Mentoring Connects young adults in Maricopa County who have experienced homelessness with caring mentors, fostering relationships that empower mentees to develop skills and connections for independence and success. We aim to provide a sense of belonging and opportunities for mentees to achieve their goals, supporting their transition to long-term stability.
FIRE Mentoring envisions a future where every young adult in Arizona who has experienced homelessness has access to caring, supportive mentors who empower them to develop the skills and connections they need to thrive as independent adults. Through strong relationships and personalized support, our program fosters a culture of connection, belonging, and empowerment that promotes long-term stability, contributing to a more vibrant and equitable community for all.
FIRE (Fostering Independence, Relationships, & Experiences) Mentoring is an initiative based out of the Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research at Arizona State University. Our organization was founded in November 2022 in response to an identified gap in community resources for young adults transitioning out of homelessness.
The formation of FIRE stemmed directly from focus groups with young adults who had experienced homelessness. The need for supportive adult figures and increased community connectedness were frequently expressed in these focus groups. These insights became the guiding principles behind FIRE Mentoring.
Our aim is to pair caring, stable adults with young adults, aged 18 to 24, who have transitioned out of homelessness. We focus on individuals who have recently secured placement in formal housing programs within Maricopa County, marking a crucial turning point in their journey to stability and self-reliance.
The Arizona Department of Housing granted us our initial startup funding. This crucial backing enabled us to take our first steps toward making a lasting difference.
Our fundamental goal is to enhance the independence and community connections of our mentees. To achieve this, we host monthly events designed to strengthen the bond between mentors and mentees, support mentors and mentees with their relationship-building, and equip the mentees with the tools and support necessary for their journey toward stability. As we begin our pilot year in 2023, we are eager to witness and guide the transformation and growth of our mentees.
With a solid foundation, the right resources, and an unshakeable commitment, we are excited about the journey ahead as we strive to make a significant positive impact in our community.
We believe in the importance of building strong, healthy relationships between mentors and mentees, creating a sense of belonging and support that promotes success and wellbeing. We strive to model and promote healthy relationship dynamics, built on mutual respect, trust, and communication.
We believe in the importance of building and contributing to a strong, interconnected community, where individuals support and uplift each other, creating a more vibrant and resilient society for all.
We believe in the power of personal growth and self-actualization for both our mentees and mentors, and strive to empower individuals to take control of their lives and achieve their goals.
We believe in promoting equity, fairness, and inclusion for all individuals, recognizing and addressing the systemic barriers that lead to homelessness and housing instability. We celebrate and embrace the unique perspectives and experiences that each person brings, valuing diversity in all its forms.
We believe in the value of personal and professional growth, both for our mentees and mentors, and are committed to providing ongoing opportunities for learning and development.
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