Colby Swettberg, CEO
Silver Lining Mentoring, the only mentoring organization in Massachusetts focused specifically on youth in foster care, recently raised $570,000 during its 10th Annual Match Gala. The funds raised will support Silver Lining Mentoring’s mission to empower youth in foster care to thrive through committed mentoring relationships and the development of essential life skills.
The gala was held in the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in South Boston. This year, more than 320 members of the Silver Lining Mentoring community were present – making it the highest-attended Match Gala to date.
Silver Lining Mentoring’s CEO, Colby Swettberg made a major announcement: that Silver Lining Mentoring is bringing their mentoring model to the national stage by opening a thought leadership institute that will ultimately impact thousands of youth in the United States. Colby also announced that Colby will become CEO of this institute, which will be a division of Silver Lining Mentoring, and that SLM is looking for a new leader for its Boston office.
Larry and Atsuko Fish received the 2019 Social Impact Award for being longtime supporters of mentoring for youth in foster. Other features of the event included phenomenal remarks by SLM’s incredible young people, First Lady of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Lauren Baker with Governor Charlie Baker; as well as a silent and live auction, which raised over $30,000.
“I care deeply about this organization because I have seen how it works,” said Silver Lining Mentoring’s Board Chair, Anne Bowie, in her remarks. “And I stay involved because of the great successes. With a background in social work, I know about the trauma and constant change young people in foster care often experience. And I know that Silver Lining Mentoring, through their support of mentoring relationships, helps give young people what they need to succeed as independent adults.”
Founded in 2001, Silver Lining Mentoring empowers youth in foster care to thrive through committed mentoring relationships and the development of essential life skills. Silver Lining Mentoring is the only mentoring organization in Massachusetts, and one of only a few nationwide, that exclusively serves youth in foster care. SLM provides targeted, specialized mentoring services and life skills training for young people who have been impacted by the foster care system.
