Empowering LGBTQ Youth of Color
Silver Lining Mentoring's Evan Hubbard and EJ at 
the  Hispanic Black Gay Coalition Youth Empowerment Conference

One of Silver Lining Mentoring's young people, EJ, presented at the Hispanic Black Gay Coalition Youth Empowerment Conference along with Program Supervisor Evan Hubbard.  The goal of the conference is to provide a safe space for  LGBTQ Youth of Color to connect with each other, share resources and skills, and discuss ways to create social change. 

EJ and Evan's workshop,  New Identities, New Experiences, was designed for youth and young adults who are adjusting to a shift in identity.  Throughout the workshop, Evan and EJ shared anecdotes from their own experiences to remind youth adjusting to a new identity that they are not alone and to validate the range of emotions that young people feel when exploring new aspects of their identity. EJ and Evan also discussed the intersections of race, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, class, ability, religion and more.

For EJ, this experience was an offshoot of his involvement in Silver Lining Mentoring's LGBTQ initiative, which he has been involved in for two and a half years.  The LGBTQ initiative provides young people with a mentor who identifies as LGBTQ or as an LGBTQ ally, as well as an intentionally safe space for youth to come as they are.  After participating in the initiative for a couple of years, EJ felt equipped and empowered to share his own story in order to support other youth.  

Founder Justin Pasquariello Honored 
Silver Lining Mentoring Founder Justin Pasquariello (left),
his wife, Vanessa Fazio Pasquariello, son, Rocco, and his mentee, Henry
Silver Lining Mentoring's Founder Justin Pasquariello has been named one of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce's Ten Outstanding Young Leaders for 2015!  Justin founded Silver Lining Mentoring in 2001 and is currently a member of the Board of Directors.  Justin has been matched with his own mentee, Henry, for over thirteen years.  

Silver Lining Mentoring Outreach Coordinator Brian Diah recently said of Justin, "One of Justin's guiding questions in founding Silver Lining Mentoring was 'How can we ensure that youth in the most at risk situations have the same opportunities?'  Justin recognized a need for youth in foster care to have stable relationships with adults based on his own experience in the foster care system. He gives credence to the role that positive adults played in his life."  

Silver Lining Mentoring is grateful to Justin for his overwhelming vision in founding the organization, a vision that continues to guide us today.
   
Thank You for Making a Difference!

The Silver Lining Spinners buckled up their helmets on Saturday, September 26, and completed 25-, 50-, and 100-mile rides in support of youth in foster care at the Rodman Ride for Kids.

We are grateful to all of the individuals who rode, donated, cheered and advocated in support of Silver Lining Mentoring.  You can help us meet our goal to raise $35,000 by donating now.  Thank you for making a difference.






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