This Is Me

08/27/2026

Hello Lewisville | St. James | Fairmont area! This is Me | is seeking a adult male mentor (21+) for a local youth impacted by the foster care system. This youth is a multi-racial male, 3rd grader, who enjoys arts and crafts, athletics, and animals. He is sensitive and inquisitive, quiet and shy. The adult we are looking for is friendly and familiar with Hispanic/Spanish culture and blended families and likes to have fun as well as be a positive influence. If you are a healthy role-model and would like to help a youth gain confidence and build self-esteem, please contact us for application information! https://www.idoexist.org/general-8
www.idoexist.org

08/27/2026

Hello New Ulm area! This is Me | is seeking a adult female mentor (21+) for a local youth impacted by the foster care system. This youth is a female, 5th grader, who enjoys arts and crafts, science, video gaming, and is outgoing and inquisitive. The adult we are looking for is friendly, patient and open-minded and likes to have fun as well as be a positive influence. If this is you, please contact us for application information! https://www.idoexist.org/general-8
www.idoexist.org

08/26/2026

Hello Owatonna area! This is Me is seeking an adult mentor (21+) for a local youth impacted by the foster care system. This youth is a female teen who enjoys arts and crafts, music, video gaming, and animals. The adult we are looking for is friendly, a good listener and likes to have fun as well as be a positive influence. If this is you, please contact us for application information!

www.idoexist.org

08/07/2026

📸 VOLUNTEER PHOTOGRAPHERS NEEDED! 💙

This Is Me is looking for volunteer photographers to help capture two very special adoption days for families we have the honor of supporting. 💙

We are currently looking for photographers for:

📍 Glencoe, MN
🗓️ Monday, August 17

📍 Le Center, MN
🗓️ Tuesday, August 18

These photos will help preserve memories of a day that these children and families will treasure for years to come. What may feel like a few hours behind the camera can mean so much to a family celebrating such an incredible milestone. 📷✨

We’re looking for photographers who:
📸 Have experience with family, portrait, or event photography
💙 Are willing to donate their time and talent
🤍 Want to make a meaningful difference for children and families impacted by foster care

If you’re available for either date, or know a photographer who might be, please comment below or send us a message!

Please share this post — you never know who in your network may be the perfect person to help capture these beautiful moments. 💙

07/21/2026

💜 Become the Difference in a Child's Life.
Every child deserves someone who believes in them.

For youth impacted by foster care, one consistent, caring adult can make all the difference. A mentor isn't expected to have all the answers—they simply show up, listen, encourage, and remind a young person that they matter.

At This Is Me, we believe every child deserves an identity that is bigger than their trauma.

That's why we're looking for adults who are willing to invest just a few hours each month in a young person's life.

Whether you're ready to become a mentor or simply want to learn more, we'd love to meet you.
Monday, July 27
🕠 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 Owatonna Public Library
105 N Elm Ave.
2nd Floor Conference Room
Owatonna, MN 55060
Mentors must:
💜 Be 21 years or older
💜 Commit to at least one year
💜 Complete a background check
💜 Spend 4–6 hours each month with their mentee

No experience is necessary—we'll provide the training and support every step of the way.

Society often asks, "What happened to you?"
This Is Me asks, "Who are you becoming?"

Come learn how you can help a child discover confidence, belonging, and hope for the future.

Learn more at www.idoexist.org

07/20/2026

Every child has a past.

But no child should be defined by it.

At This Is Me, we believe identity is one of the greatest protective factors a young person can have.

Our mission isn't to help children relive their trauma.

It's to help them discover who they are becoming.

Because every child deserves an identity bigger than their trauma.

💙 That's why we're here.

07/10/2026

💙 Could you be the mentor he's waiting for?

A 13-year-old boy in Owatonna is looking for a mentor to spend time with, enjoy new experiences, and be a safe, dependable adult in his life.

Whether it's grabbing a meal, shooting hoops, playing games, exploring a local park, or simply talking, a few hours each month can make a lasting impact.

📍 Current Need: Owatonna, MN

Not in Owatonna? We welcome mentors from all communities! We match caring adults with children impacted by foster care in their local communities whenever possible.

📧 Ready to make a difference? Email us at [email protected] or visit idoexist.org to apply today!

💙 Please like and share—your share could help us find the perfect mentor.

Send a message to learn more

06/17/2026

Last night was an incredibly humbling evening.

Our Executive Director, Holly Schoenbauer, was honored to be recognized as the 2026 WINGS Woman of Impact and invited to deliver the keynote address on the theme of resilience.

Rather than speaking about awards or accomplishments, Holly chose to share what more than seven years as a foster parent—and welcoming more than 30 children into her home—has taught her about the true meaning of resilience.

The strongest people she has ever met aren't CEOs, politicians, or professional athletes.

They're children in foster care.

These incredible young people continue to teach us about courage, hope, trust, and the power of kindness, even after experiencing circumstances no child should have to endure.

One message from the keynote beautifully reflects the heart of This Is Me:

"They're not giving you a hard time. They're having a hard time."

It's a reminder that every behavior tells a story, and every child deserves to be met with compassion.

If you have about 14 minutes, we invite you to watch Holly's keynote. We hope it inspires you as much as the children we serve inspire us every single day.

Thank you to WINGS for this incredible honor and for recognizing the importance of supporting children and families in our communities.

💙 Because every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and connected.

🎥 Watch the keynote here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XW_UROYOPvE&t=3s

What does resilience really look like?After seven years as foster...

05/12/2026

This Saturday, This Is Me is hosting a Pickleball Tournament for Foster Care Awareness Month — and we would LOVE to see our community show up in a big way!

Whether you’re:
✨ super competitive
✨ brand new to pickleball
✨ playing just for fun
✨ or simply looking for a way to support foster youth in Southern Minnesota…

THIS EVENT IS FOR YOU.

Every registration helps raise awareness and support for youth impacted by foster care — youth who deserve to feel seen, valued, and connected to their communities.

📅 Saturday, May 16
⏰ Matches begin at 8 AM
📍 Riverside Park in Northfield MN (Pickleball courts)

🏆 Prizes:
1st Place – $400
2nd Place – $200
3rd Place – $50

💲$50 per person / $100 per team
(All entry fees are considered donations and are tax deductible.)

Grab a partner, rally your friends, and come spend the day making a difference while having a TON of fun. 🏓

👉 Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-QsH__0dGXrDvr9qu1QJNMGaajcDNb0g7D4YPKj08qqqCSQ/viewform

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post! Community support matters more than you know. 💜

05/08/2026

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/silverlininginstitute_as-we-recognize-national-foster-care-month-activity-7457806384856969216-mk6k?utm_source=li_share&utm_content=feedcontent&utm_medium=g_dt_web&utm_campaign=facebook

As we recognize National Foster Care Month this May, it is a powerful time to reflect on what true support looks like. When mentoring youth impacted by foster care, success isn't always about huge milestones. Sometimes, it is simply about showing up, building trust, and sitting in the tough moments....