Would you like to make a difference in the life of a young mother? It's easy to have a meaningful impact when you volunteer to be a Sage mentor with Second Grace. The Elizabethtown-based nonprofit will host Sage mentor informational sessions over the next few months. The first will be held on Monday, March 2, at ECHOS, 105 E. Washington St., Elizabethtown. It will run from 6 to 7 p.m. Additional sessions will be held at the same time and place on Mondays, June 1, Sept. 7 and Dec. 7.

Second Grace began in 2021 when founder Candace Abel was moved to start the organization after volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and noting that young mothers in the program could benefit from additional support. The organization pairs mentors, called "Sages," with young single mothers, called "Graces."

"Our informational sessions are designed to give potential volunteers a clear, honest picture of what it means to serve as a Sage mentor with Second Grace," explained Callie Tomblin, program coordinator. "During these sessions, participants learn about our mission, the structure of the program and the role Sages play in supporting single mothers, or Graces, as they work toward stability and long-term independence."

The session will cover an overview of Second Grace, how the mentorship model works, how Graces are referred to the program and the holistic approach to support offered through the nonprofit.

"We then walk through the Sage role in detail, including expectations, boundaries, training and the support mentors receive along the way," Tomblin said. "There is also ample time for questions so attendees can determine whether this opportunity is a good fit for them."

She noted that a good Sage is someone who is compassionate, patient and willing to build a consistent, trusting relationship.

"Sages do not need to be experts or 'fixers,'" she said. "Instead, they are steady, non-judgmental supporters who are open to learning, listening and walking alongside a Grace mother through real-life challenges. Reliability, empathy and a willingness to commit are far more important than professional credentials."

Sages support Graces in a variety of ways depending on individual needs, she said.

"This can include regular check-ins, encouragement, helping navigate appointments or resources, offering practical life support and modeling healthy relationships," Tomblin explained. "Sages are a stable presence, someone a Grace knows she can rely on as she works toward her goals."

The time commitment of a Sage is meaningful but manageable, she said.

"Sages commit to a one- or two-year mentorship relationship and typically spend about six to 10 hours per month connecting with their Grace and participating in program-related meetings or training," Tomblin explained. "We believe this consistency is critical to building trust and creating lasting impact."

No advance registration is required for the information sessions, and Tomblin hopes people will consider attending to learn more.

"The session is a no-pressure opportunity to learn, ask questions and explore whether this kind of mentorship aligns with your heart and availability," she said. "Even if you're unsure, coming to an info session can help you understand how powerful consistent presence and relationships can be in changing lives."

She also wants Sages to know that they are never alone in their work.

"We provide training, guidance and ongoing support throughout the mentorship journey," Tomblin remarked. "Our goal is to build a strong, caring community around both Sages and Graces."

For more information, call Tomblin at 717-435-0207 or email her at callie.secondgrace@gmail.com.