Questions, answered
Everything families and mentors ask us most. If yours isn’t here, just email us.
About braveONE
What is braveONE?
A free, one-to-one mentorship program for kids and teens living with Type 1 Diabetes. We match them with adult mentors who also live with T1D and truly get it, then support real-world outings that build lasting friendships.
Is braveONE a medical program?
No. All of our mentors live with T1D and understand the daily ins and outs, but braveONE is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. We focus on emotional support, friendship and lived experience.
What makes braveONE different?
It’s in person and it lasts. No webinars or lectures: mentors and mentees hang out one-on-one, grabbing ice cream, going bowling or visiting school. It turns the short burst of connection from camp into a friendship that continues all year.
Where does braveONE operate?
We started with a pilot program in the Houston, Texas area and now have matches in 19 states. If there’s no match near you yet, reach out anyway. Interest is how we decide where to grow next.
Is there a cost?
No. braveONE is completely free for families and mentors.
For families
Who can join as a mentee?
Kids and teens, typically ages 5–17, who live with Type 1 Diabetes.
How are mentors and mentees matched?
On shared experiences, interests and personalities. We take time to get to know both the mentor and your child so the match is meaningful, not just a good fit on paper.
How are mentors screened?
All braveONE mentors are required to complete a background check and mentor training before being matched with a mentee.
Screening includes identity verification, a Social Security number trace, a national criminal records database search, sex offender registries across all 50 states, and federal watchlists. Criminal records are reviewed to match them to the verified applicant.
Our background checks are database-based, not fingerprint-based. In addition to background checks, braveONE requires mentor training and keeps parents involved throughout the mentorship.
For mentors
Who can become a mentor?
Adults (18+) living with T1D who want to walk alongside someone younger on a similar journey.
What’s the commitment?
A minimum of six months, with the hope that the friendship lasts much longer. Pairs connect regularly: an ice cream outing, a weekend hangout or a visit to school.
What safety steps do I need to complete?
braveONE training and onboarding, which includes a background check and reference check, and following our outing safety guidelines. We provide all the materials and check in regularly so you always feel supported.
Signing up
How do I sign up?
Fill out the interest form that fits you: parent of a potential mentee, adult who wants to mentor, or volunteer. Our team will follow up with next steps.
How long is the wait for a match?
It depends on where you live and how many mentors are nearby. More than 150 families are waiting right now, which is why every new mentor and every donation matters.
Still wondering about something?
Email info@braveone.org and a real person on our team will answer.