NurtureNW mentors are diverse in terms of age, race, ethnicity, SES and lived experience. They also reside all over Washington, just like the NurtureNW members they support. Because equity is core to the mission of Committee for Children and to the quality of this program, we will continue to build up this diversity and remain a culturally responsive service. Some members prefer to be matched with a mentor whose identity is reflective of their own, including that of their lived experience (i.e. single parent, member of the LGBTQ+ community, Latina, etc.). When possible, the NurtureNW team will strive to make these matches based on this request, though we cannot guarantee that this is always possible. If you would like to see additional identities represented, please apply to be a mentor or share the opportunity with friends in your community. This is how we’ll grow this incredible resource.

NurtureNW mentors complete an application, have a connection call with NurtureNW staff, submit two references, and then participate in an online training before being matched with new and expecting parents. Additionally, mentors are invited to participate in monthly roundtables and take advantage of other professional development opportunities through the program. The NurtureNW team maintains regular communication with each of the mentors, and mentors are encouraged to reach out with any questions or concerns. It is never expected that a mentor would need to handle a difficult mentoring situation on their own- the NurtureNW team has your back.

The relationship between volunteer mentors and new parents happens entirely through a private text messaging platform. Mentors and members text about all things parenting- from infant sleep issues to new parent identity issues and all things in between. NurtureNW provides volunteer mentors with conversation starters focused on members’ emotional health and their baby’s development. These “conversations” happen entirely through text, mentors and members don’t talk on the phone. Volunteer mentors can customize these conversation starters, and answer questions from members as they arise. NurtureNW’s secure mentor website makes it easy for volunteer mentors to support several new parents at a time, in about an hour a week total.

NurtureNW is free to join because it is currently fully funded by Committee for Children. Our mentors are trained volunteers who make the magic happen—we couldn’t do this without them. There are no income requirements to join; if you feel like you could benefit from a mentor relationship, become a member by clicking here.

NurtureNW is creating a community where volunteer mentors help new and expecting parents navigate the third trimester and the first year of their baby’s life. Mentors offer new parents encouragement, practical advice and ways to connect to the community around them. Our superpower is supporting people during the early transition to parenthood, so we match any new or expecting Washington-area parent who is between their third trimester and six months postpartum. Research shows that at least one out of seven women suffer from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, but often don’t understand the symptoms and don’t seek professional help. NurtureNW mentors help members to be more mindful of their emotional health through a set of toolkits designed to support the social and emotional transition to parenthood.

The relationship between volunteer mentors and new parents happens completely online through one-on-one private messaging on a secure web-based platform. We use only first names, but each mentor will have a short bio to share about themselves and why they chose to become mentors. Volunteer mentors and new parents do not share phone numbers or addresses and are discouraged from exchanging other identifying information. Also (sorry, we know there are loads of cute baby pics out there!), photos and videos are not able to be shared within the platform. Despite the fact that mentors and new parents do not meet face-to-face, very meaningful relationships are still formed. Most mentor-new parent relationships last throughout the baby’s first year of life. NurtureNW makes privacy a high priority. Our strict privacy protections ensure that all information offered by volunteer mentors and new parents remains private and confidential. To learn more, click here. NurtureNW team members monitor the text exchanges systematically and are available to offer additional support as needed.

NurtureNW mentors support expecting parents in their third trimester and up to their child’s first birthday. Parents can stay with the program that whole time, and can choose to disengage any time they like. Mentors will check in with members weekly, and members can respond when it is convenient for them.

NurtureNW is not an emergency response program and resources shared by NurtureNW mentors are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a possible medical (including mental health) condition. In the event of an emergency situation, please call 911 for assistance.

1. Respect Everyone's Privacy Being part of this program requires mutual trust. Authentic interactions make the mentor relationship great, but may also be sensitive and private. What's shared between mentors and members should stay between them, though it may be reviewed by NurtureNW staff as necessary. It is not appropriate to try to connect with each other outside of the NurtureNW program while actively enrolled. We don't do extra research on members by searching for them on social media. Communication between mentors and members ONLY takes place on the secure platform. 2. No Hate Speech or Bullying Both mentors and members should always feel safe. Bullying of any kind isn't allowed, and degrading comments about race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender or identity will not be tolerated. 3. No Promotions or Spam Self-promotion, spam and irrelevant links aren't allowed from either mentors or members. NurtureNW will never try to sell you anything, and we do not endorse particular products or services. 4. Gender Inclusive Language We commit to making an effort to use gender-inclusive language; we do not assume someone's gender identity. Mentors are prepared to support anyone who identifies as a parent. Please feel free to share your pronouns if you wish to. 5. Respect Varying Parenting Philosophies Respect everyone's parenting philosophy, no matter how it aligns with your own. However you are choosing to parent, you will be supported by us. NurtureNW staff will be notified of any suspicion or awareness of any parent or child safety concerns; and resources and referrals will be provided. 6. Expect Evidence-Based Information Mentors and NurtureNW staff will share evidence-based recommendations and information for new parents through the secure platform. Mentors may share personal suggestions for websites, social media accounts, videos, etc., and have standard guidelines around responsibly sharing these additional resources while never promoting content that rejects evidence-based recommendations. NurtureNW trains mentors on how to authentically combine their own lived experience with evidence-based information.