Every child deserves a champion—someone who celebrates their victories, guides their choices, and helps them build essential skills. For many, that champion is a parent or caregiver. But for children growing up amid poverty and violence, families often need extra support.
At Friends of the Children–Chicago, we fill that gap with Professional Mentors—full-time, highly trained specialists dedicated to nurturing a child’s social, emotional, and academic growth.
What makes our work unique is our unwavering commitment: we walk beside every child and family for 12.5 years, from kindergarten through high school. No matter what.
Vanessa joined Friends-Chicago in kindergarten. Now a confident, kind, and determined seventh grader, she has overcome tremendous challenges. When Vanessa was in third grade, her father was killed. The first call her mother made after hearing the news was to Friends of the Children-Chicago. Mentors picked up Vanessa and her siblings from school, offering comfort and stability during an unthinkable time.
Despite ongoing hardships Friends-Chicago remains their steady anchor. Vanessa and her family receive therapy through our on-site Wellness Room and Vanessa works with Professional Mentor Kianna to build the relationships, skills, and goals that will enable her to overcome trauma and thrive.
Vanessa dreams of a future in real estate or cosmetology and pursues her goals with determination. As Kianna says, “We’re Vanessa’s chill place—her second family. She knows we’ll always be by her side, no matter what.”
Friends of the Children-Chicago
Every child has hopes and dreams – but far too many children face the challenges of poverty, housing insecurity, and exposure to gun violence. Friends of the Children steps in early—pairing kindergarteners on Chicago’s West and South Sides with Professional Mentors. We focus on the individualized journey of the child, helping them build skills and create goals while partnering with caregivers to strengthen family stability. What makes us unique? We walk alongside our youth for 12.5 years. No Matter What. Our trauma-informed approach puts the child at the center and surrounds them with a network of support. Friends of the Children-Chicago isn’t just about prevention—it’s about possibility.
Join a child’s team of support by donating at friendschicago.org today.
