We identify kindergarteners in communities most impacted by poverty and gun violence and pair them with paid, Professional Mentors. We commit to stay by their side for 12.5 years. No Matter What.
Our model works because we make a long-term, in-depth commitment to every child.
Our model is distinct, courageous and proven. We have redefined the youth mentoring field by creating the first and only long-term professional mentoring program in the country. Our Friends are experts in building sustained and nurturing relationships with youth. We specialize in working with youth who have faced a lot of adversity. We have the data to show that it's real and it works.
Our model was founded on research showing that the single most important factor in overcoming childhood adversity is a long-term, nurturing relationship with a consistent and caring adult. Research over the past three decades continues to affirm how much these relationships matter.
Our trauma-informed, long-term mentoring model is now being sought after by communities and systems around the country and the world. They recognize that children who've experienced a lot of adversity need more specialized and long-term mentoring relationships that Friends of the Children–Chicago provides.
What Makes Us Unique
1. We find children facing the greatest obstacles. We partner with community organizations, referring agencies, and schools to identify kindergarteners facing the greatest risk factors and with the least protective factors. Our families may be impacted by experiences including gun violence, food insecurity, housing insecurity, involvement in the criminal justice system, and foster care.
2. We employ and train salaried, Professional Mentors.
We move mentorship out of the volunteer realm and into a profession in order to fulfil the intentional, consistent, long-term commitment we make to every child in our program. Our Professional Mentors are experienced in youth development, highly trained, and receive ongoing training so they remain current on best practices to support the unique development of each of the youth in their portfolio.
3. We commit to the long term.
We commit to every child from kindergarten through adolescence to help them navigate each phase of their development. Life is unpredictable and the support that our youth need evolves as they age and as they face new experiences.
4.We focus on the individual journey of each child.
We partner with the child and their caregivers to create an individual road map for each child. Then our Professional Mentors provide specialized support in five developmentally appropriate focus areas that help children acquire the skills they need to thrive.
5. We work in all facets of a child’s life.
We create a bridge. Professional Mentors serve as a link between a child’s school, home, and community. Mentors spend on average 12-16 hours per month with each child.
6. We evaluate, measure, and improve.
We know the positive impact of our program because we’ve collected the data to prove it. Independent research has validated our program model in Chicago and across chapters nationally for both the short and long term.
