January is National Mentoring Month
Established in 2002, National Mentoring Month was created by the MENTOR organization and the Harvard T.H. School of Public Health. As stated on the MENTOR website, this month was created to “amplify, encourage, and strengthen mentorship in young people.” The goals of National Mentoring Month are:
- Raise awareness of mentoring in all of its forms
- Recruit individuals to mentor
- Recruit organizations to engage their members in this rapid growth of mentoring
The MENTOR website shares ways that you can get involved:
- Become a mentor
- Support mentorship programs
- Share your mentoring stories
- Attend mentorship events
- Educate yourself
- Recognize Outstanding Mentors
Additional resources can be found at the links below:
Say Hello to the Placement Site: Spectrum Success 911!
Ms. Michele Abraham-Montgomery and her son, Khylil Robinson, run the nonprofit Spectrum Success 911, an organization dedicated to connecting families with vital autism resources. They serve as a placement site for YOACAP, or Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Program.
After her son’s Autism diagnosis, Ms. Michele deepened her lifelong work in advocacy, program development, and public speaking, expanding her efforts to support youth, parents, schools, and community organizations. Mr. Khylil, a Community Autistic Peer Specialist with DBHIDS and a proud self-advocate, contributes to the nonprofit through Autism awareness and youth advocacy while mentoring C2L youth participants in the program. Together they create opportunities for C2L youth and many others part of the Autistic community to build employability skills and engage in meaningful activities such as music and art therapy and community information sessions.
During our Fall Capacity Building Site Visit, Ms. Michele shared her heartfelt commitment to helping youth on the Autism Spectrum and their families navigate both the workforce and daily life. She described her work as helping them “make sense of the nonsense,” offering guidance that leads to clarity during challenging moments. What she enjoys most is asking families “thought-provoking questions” that spark those small but powerful “aha moments” marked by a raised eyebrow or a smile. Through this holistic and compassionate approach, she and Mr. Khylil create a warm, empowering environment where youth and families feel understood, inspired, and supported.
SAVE THE DATE: Work-based Learning Institute 2026
C2L-PHL’s Work-based Learning Institute presents Future Forward: Blueprint for Youth to Career Pipeline as a space for innovation, collaboration, and action will be hosted on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at the University of Pennsylvania campus.
Call for Presenters
The institute will feature breakout sessions around youth-centered design & engagement, equity & access, program sustainability, and cross-program partnerships as well as featuring a youth showcase highlighting emerging leaders and their work products and networking opportunities with employers, industry experts, intermediaries, and C2L-PHL providers.
Who Can Apply to Present? Everyone! We welcome proposals from:
- Current C2L-PHL providers, placement sites, and partners
- External youth workforce development programs
- Practitioners, youth leaders, researchers, and organizations committed to equity and innovation
Whether you’re drafting a new concept, refining a proven approach, or building bold solutions, we invite you to lead engaging, solution-focused sessions aligned with our event strands and session formats!
Presenter Proposal Submission is due February 6, 2026 11:59pm here.
Fall 2025 Programming Recap
During November and December the capacity building specialists partnered with JEVS and the City of Philadelphia’s Children and Family Support Services office to visit over 15 sites. During the visits youth were observed working at their placement sites, working on projects, and participating in professional development sessions.
Mock Interviews with Philadelphia Parks & Rec
Throughout Fall 2025 programming, select sites in Philadelphia Parks & Rec participated in a resume writing and mock interview pilot. During the last week of programming in December, the Northern Liberties site hosted professionals from Citadel Credit Union and MCP Home Care Solutions to review resumes and conduct mock interviews for their C2L participants. The C2L youth felt the pilot helped them build their confidence and understanding of what should be on their resume.
Spread the Word
Forward this email to your colleagues! Please encourage them to sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on available resources, upcoming trainings, and success stories across all C2L programs.
SIGN UPUPCOMING EVENTS
Be on the lookout for upcoming capacity building professional development events.
EVENTS CALENDAR
Get ready for an unforgettable professional learning experience! Join the 29th Annual Beyond School Hours National Education Conference, taking place from March 1–4, 2026 at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida.
Each year, over 2,000 educators and school leaders from across the country gather at Beyond School Hours to connect and learn together. This is your moment to celebrate what’s working, explore collaborative solutions, and return home with fresh strategies to revolutionize your impact with the youth you serve.
Highlights include a keynote from Dr. Adolph Brown, a best-in-class STEAM Fair and Exhibit Hall, and more than 100 workshops that focus on:
- Leadership
- Funding
- Artificial Intelligence
- Community Engagement
- Content Development
- …and so much more!
If you have any questions, please contact bsh@foundationsinc.org or refer to the FAQ page.
December Workshops and Support Groups
LifeCourse Workshops
Our workshops are developed for families by families. They focus on specific topics through the lens of the LifeCourse Framework, with an emphasis on the importance of having a vision.
Peace of Mind Long Term Planning
Friday, January 16th
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Transitions Through the Lifespan
Thursday, January 22nd
4:00pm – 6:00pm
Using the LifeCourse to Plan and Problem Solve, Part 1 and 2
Tuesday, January 27th
Part 1: 10:00am – 11:30am
Wednesday, January 28th
Part 2: 10:00am – 11:30am
Waiver Workshops
Our workshops are developed for families by families. Join us to learn how waivers can support your loved one.
Advanced Waiver – Siblings
Monday, January 5th
Part 1: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Monday, January 12th
Part 2: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Waiver Basics, Part 1 and 2
Tuesday, January 6th
Part 1: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Tuesday, January 13th
Part 2: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Good Life and Support Groups
Join one of our Support Groups to connect with other caregivers who understand the things you’re dealing with and find the support you need as a caregiver.
Sibling Good Life Group
Adult Siblings of People with Intellectual Disabilities/Autism
Anyone thought of like a sibling or in a sibling-like role is welcome!
This group of adult siblings will have the opportunity guide the group’s direction, network with other siblings, talk about your lived experience, have open and informative discussions, and plan for a future that holds true potential for you and your family.
Monday, January 26th
6:30pm – 8:00 pm
Caregiver Support Group
You care for your loved one(s), but who is caring for you?
We have a safe place, meeting EACH MONTH, for you to connect with other caregivers who understand the things you are dealing with and find the support you need as a caregiver
In this support group, we talk about stress, self-care, family dynamics, and more.
Meeting the First Wednesday, and Third Tuesday of EACH Month!
Wednesday, January 7th
2:30-4:00 pm
Tuesday, January 20th
6:30-8:00 pm
NEW WEBINARS
Local experts, trusted sources: Our 60-minute mental health education webinars are absolutely free & everyone is welcome! Attendance certificates and webinar recordings are provided at no cost.
Questions? Find webinar FAQs at https://www.mindspringhealth.org/get-involved/webinars-and-events
- GIVE TO YOURSELF
- GIVE TO OTHERS
- WE GIVE BACK
Mindspring’s work is powered entirely by donor support. Every dollar helps us share resources, hope, education, and connection with people who need it most.
If our webinars have made a difference for you, we invite you to join us in making them accessible to others. 100% of donations are used to provide mental health education, advocacy, resources, and support.
January 19 | Powerful Words: Language to Build Children’s Self-Esteem
Social media can create unrealistic expectations that leave young people feeling discouraged, empty, and depressed — and parents, caregivers, and educators need to know how to respond. Learn what to say to help young people feel positive about themselves, regardless of challenges they may face or how others may view them.
Register Here Children’s Mental HealthJanuary 20 | Caring for the Caregiver: Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout NEW
Being a caregiver comes with unique responsibilities, and experiencing a range of emotions —anger, frustration, exhaustion, loneliness, and sadness — is almost guaranteed. Discover how your attachment style as a caregiver influences the way you respond to others and understand why high-effort coping and overcompensation often lead to burnout. Throughout the course, you’ll gain practical tools to help you cope with stress, along with strategies to manage power struggles, set healthy boundaries, and respond to risky behavior.
Register HereJanuary 21 | Stress Reset: Science-Based Strategies for Workplace Well-Being NEW
Stress is a universal human experience, but today’s world amplifies it in unique ways that previous generations did not face. Explore the science of stress with a licensed therapist and gain clarity about why we feel overwhelmed at times, and why certain situations trigger strong reactions. Learn to identify early signs of burnout and explore practical, science-backed strategies to manage stress in the moment. We’ll also cover setting healthy boundaries and developing long-term habits to support lasting well-being.
Register Here Mental Health in the WorkplaceJanuary 21 | Workplace Violence & De-Escalation Techniques: Practical Approaches for Real-Life Scenarios 2026 Updates
Most cases of workplace violence don’t begin with a violent act. Instead, they are the result of a series of aggressive behaviors that build up over time. By learning to recognize warning signs and respond appropriately, you can significantly reduce the risk of a situation becoming dangerous. In this course, participants will learn to identify risk factors and situational triggers, and discuss practical de-escalation techniques with a licensed therapist. Through hands-on practice in realistic scenarios, you’ll build confidence to apply these tools effectively to help keep your workplace safe.
Register Here Mental Health in the WorkplaceJanuary 22 | Workplace Boundaries: Strategies & Tools NEW
The ability to calmly and respectfully advocate for your needs is an essential skill for modern workforces. Learn practical tools and simple scripts for saying no, asking for help, and managing unrealistic demands. Discuss ways to set clear limits with supervisors, coworkers, and customers, and how to respond when boundaries aren’t respected. Plus, we’ll share strategies to reduce digital overload and stay composed during difficult conversations. Part 2 in a 2-part series.
Register Here Mental Health in the WorkplaceJanuary 27 | Understanding Cutting and Self-Harm
Self-injury is a complex behavior that is difficult to understand if you haven’t experienced it. Explore what self-harm is and is not, why people purposefully hurt themselves, and the symptoms to look for. Dispel myths and stereotypes and learn what treatments are most effective with a licensed therapist.
Register HereJanuary 28 | Understanding Intergenerational Trauma
Trauma can be passed down through families, affecting individuals and communities across generations. Explore how trauma moves through generations, its consequences, the link to complex PTSD, and how to recover in this one-hour seminar with a licensed therapist.
Register HereJanuary 28 | Understanding Hoarding
Hoarding is a compulsive behavior that involves much more than keeping extra papers around. Explore the reasons people hoard, common symptoms of hoarding, and the impact hoarding has on both the individual and the family in this one-hour seminar with a licensed therapist.
Register HereJanuary 29 | Responding to Difficult Behavior with Confidence 2026 Updates
Understanding why difficult behavior is on the rise and what’s really happening beneath the surface changes the way we respond to challenging customers. Discuss the causes and types of difficult behavior in the workplace and learn practical tools for emotional regulation and boundary setting using real-life examples, so you’ll feel confident knowing what to say and how to say it. This course offers actionable insights and strategies to help you navigate challenging interactions with greater ease and resilience.
Register Here Mental Health in the WorkplaceFebruary 2 | ADHD in Youth: Understanding the Diagnosis NEW
Explore the symptoms and subtypes of ADHD and discuss the pathways to diagnosis with a licensed mental health professional. Understand how early childhood experiences, family genetics, brain differences, and the environment impact risk. Finally, discuss how to communicate with schools and doctors about your child’s needs and key factors to consider when deciding if medication might be helpful. Part 1 in a 2-part series.
Register Here Children’s Mental HealthFebruary 3 | Understanding Loneliness and Making Social Connections
People can be alone and not feel lonely, or be surrounded by others and still experience feelings of isolation. Explore the causes of loneliness, how it spreads through social networks, and the impact of loneliness on our physical and mental health in this one-hour seminar. Learn practical tips to strengthen current relationships and make NEW
connections with a licensed therapist.
February 4 | The NEW Face of Stress: Science-Based Strategies to Manage Modern Challenges NEW
Modern stressors are very different from those experienced just a decade ago. Stress levels have increased across nearly every demographic, and this trend is closely connected to modern lifestyle demands. Over time, these pressures can build up and, if left unmanaged, weaken our ability to cope. Effective stress management is no longer optional—it has become an essential skill for maintaining health & well-being. Explore the science of stress with a licensed therapist and learn how to develop simple, effective strategies that feel natural to use—without becoming overwhelming.
Register HereFebruary 4 | Substance Use and Mental Health: Tools to Calm Your Mind & Stay Safe NEW
Learn practical tools to manage difficult emotions, stay safe, and cope with strong urges. Whether you are facing challenges yourself or supporting someone else, you will learn real-life tools including grounding techniques, ways to calm emotions, strategies to handle cravings, safety planning, and simple harm-reduction steps that work in everyday situations. Part 2 in a 3-part series.
Register HereFebruary 5 | Attachment Styles: How Relationships Are Shaped by Patterns of Safety, Stress, and Communication NEW
Learn how attachment theory helps explain adult behavior in relationships, communication patterns, boundaries, and emotional reactions. Learn the four primary attachment styles—secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized—and explore how stress, past experiences, and nervous system responses shape the ways adults connect, withdraw, or seek reassurance. This course emphasizes real-life adult patterns and explains why some people repeat communication cycles that feel frustrating or confusing. Part 1 in a 3-part series.
Register HereFebruary 10 | Understanding Seasonal Depression
Do the winter months get you down more than you think they should? Discuss the signs and symptoms of seasonal depression, when it’s time to see a doctor, and what treatment options are available. Learn practical ways to manage symptoms & support others in this one-hour seminar with a licensed therapist.
Register HereFebruary 11 | Understanding Workplace Anxiety
While stress at work is common, constant and overwhelming anxiety can negatively impact productivity, confidence, and overall health. Discuss common anxiety triggers and learn practical strategies for managing stress, setting boundaries, and building resilience in this one-hour seminar.
Register Here Mental Health in the WorkplaceFebruary 11 | Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder
Of the major mental illnesses, borderline personality disorder is among the most stigmatized. Separate myths and facts and explore the signs and symptoms, causes, and treatment of this often-misunderstood diagnosis. Gain practical tips to manage symptoms and support loved ones with a licensed therapist.
Register HereFebruary 12 | What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize your own emotions and how other people feel, and use this information to understand behavior and guide decision-making. It’s a skill set that can be developed and improved; people with high emotional intelligence are better at navigating relationships, managing conflict, and achieving goals. Explore the core components of emotional intelligence—self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills—and gain practical tools to understand and manage your emotions in this one-hour seminar with a licensed therapist.
Register Here Mental Health in the WorkplaceQuestions? Find webinar FAQ at https://www.mindspringhealth.org/get-involved/webinars-and-events