Friends of the Children - Chicago

Impacting generational change by empowering youth facing the greatest obstacles through relationships with professional mentors – 12.5 years. No Matter What.

[Friends of the Children - Chicago @FriendsChicago]

Just a year and a half ago, Vashaun was stumbling while reading at a kindergarten level. Today, he’s confidently soaring through books!

We couldn’t be prouder of Vashaun’s progress and are thrilled to continue supporting his spark for reading! 💙

[Friends of the Children - Chicago @FriendsChicago]

A huge thank you to the Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation for generously providing discounted tickets to Jaja's African Hair Braiding at @chicagoshakes! 🎭

This was Janessa’s first time seeing a play. Afterwards she told her mentor she can see herself on stage in the future!

[Friends of the Children - Chicago @FriendsChicago]

Aria* transformed a whiteboard into a canvas, drawing herself with her Professional Mentor, Talibah. Then she practiced writing Talibah’s name, proud to share her creation!

We love when our youth celebrate their mentors and the strong, trusting bonds they build together. 💙

[Friends of the Children - Chicago @FriendsChicago]

Janai and her Professional Mentor, Micaiah, are celebrating one full year of mentorship! To mark this milestone, they created a scrapbook filled with some of Janai’s favorite memories. 📸

This is just the beginning of many more meaningful moments to come! 💫

[Friends of the Children - Chicago @FriendsChicago]

Leia* is putting the skills she learned from her Professional Mentor, Tanvi, into action. Leia knows when it’s time for a break and how to use deep breathing to self-regulate and return to a calm brain state.

[Friends of the Children - Chicago @FriendsChicago]

Join us next week for a free 30-minute Zoom conversation on Wednesday, January 22nd at noon to hear from Nate Vidal-Haymes and Taal Hasak-Lowy about our individualized mentorship model and its real-time impact on children's lives.

RSVP today: https://t.co/9dRnZ1TvxG

[Friends of the Children - Chicago @FriendsChicago]

A huge thank you to @operationwarm for their donation of 120 coats! With their support, we’re able to provide warmth to our youth this winter. These coats are more than just layers. A new coat can boost a child’s confidence, giving them the security they need to succeed.

[Friends of the Children - Chicago @FriendsChicago]

Creating masterpieces, one cookie at a time. 🍪🎨

Our youth had so much fun decorating cookies in the Clubhouse. From colorful sprinkles to festive icing, their creativity shone as they enjoyed this delicious activity! 😋

[Friends of the Children - Chicago @FriendsChicago]

We had a wonderful time at our holiday staff party at Lucky Strike Chicago, enjoying an evening of laughter and a little friendly competition. 🎳

Thank you to our dedicated team for their hard work and passion throughout the year. Your commitment makes our work possible!

[Friends of the Children - Chicago @FriendsChicago]

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Winter Gifts Drive. Because of you we secured gifts for 252 kids and gift cards for 90 families! Whether you donated gifts, wrapped presents, or supported in other ways, your generosity is spreading joy this winter season!

[Friends of the Children - Chicago @FriendsChicago]

Tessa is an intelligent but reserved 6-year-old. With the support of her Professional Mentor, Tessa is building confidence by finding joy in reading.

Donate today to ensure that kids like Tessa continue to receive transformative support: https://t.co/tnd0mWPazp

[Friends of the Children - Chicago @FriendsChicago]

Where’s Winnie? 👀📚

Her Professional Mentor Tanvi might need a hint for this one. 😂

[Friends of the Children - Chicago @FriendsChicago]

Gliding into unforgettable moments ⛸️✨ Shriya*, Lila*, Carmen*, and their Professional Mentors, Micaiah and Poshlyn, recently hit the ice rink together in Millenium Park, creating memories to warm even the chilliest days! ☃️ ❄️

[Friends of the Children - Chicago @FriendsChicago]

Anthony's first visit to the Clubhouse was a day to remember! He raced to the whiteboard, excited to draw his Professional Mentor, Nate. At first, Anthony wasn’t sure about his drawing skills, but with Nate’s encouragement, he drew a picture that made him proud. 🎨✨

[Friends of the Children - Chicago @FriendsChicago]

Tomorrow is #GivingTuesday. ❤️

Meet Ian*, one of the kids who would benefit from your support. Ian is a 12-year-old with a big heart. He loves boxing, is an avid reader, and he enjoys having conversations with his Professional Mentor.

Learn more: https://t.co/thEZJWz1D4

[Friends of the Children - Chicago @FriendsChicago]

Life-changing mentorship begins with YOU.

We are truly overwhelmed with gratitude for our incredible community. Thank you for making these meaningful, transformative relationships possible. 🥰

[Friends of the Children - Chicago @FriendsChicago]

In this @suntimes op-ed, Phalon Carpenter, Program Director, draws from her years of experience in juvenile detention as she highlights how Professional Mentors can create safe, calm, and nurturing relationships for children facing the greatest obstacles. https://t.co/sDcubcmRXa

[Friends of the Children - Chicago @FriendsChicago]

Meet Angel*. When she joined Friends-Chicago, she struggled to stand up for herself. That is, until Professional Mentor, Poshlyn, shared her poems. Hearing those powerful words inspired Angel.

You can make transformative relationships like this possible: https://t.co/thEZJWz1D4

[Friends of the Children - Chicago @FriendsChicago]

As a final #BigBrainThought, let’s highlight why understanding the brain is key to #TraumaInformedCare. When someone is in their “downstairs brain” they cannot think clearly. Only through regulation can they access their “upstairs brain” where they’re ready to learn and grow. 💗

[Friends of the Children - Chicago @FriendsChicago]

In honor of #NationalFamilyLiteracyMonth, we’re looking back at our Executive Director's op-ed in the @Suntimes. The importance of addressing the illiteracy crisis is just as great today as it was six months ago. #LiteracyMatters

Read the full op-ed at https://t.co/7JQOToWTZp