Friends of the Children

Focusing in Chicago on the Austin and North Lawndale communities, Friends of the Children-Chicago identifies children in kindergarten facing the greatest obstacles and provides them with paid, professional mentors – “Friends” – for 12.5 years. No matter what.

Friends of the Children is part of a national network with 27 years of experience and measurable results. 92 percent of its youth go on to enroll in post-secondary education, enter the workforce, or serve our country.

A Friend’s full-time job is to support youth and their caregivers. Friends teach valuable life skills, advocate for their youth’s needs, and help youth set and reach their own personal goals. Friends works in all facets of a child’s life – school, home, and community – breaking through silos and connecting families to essential systems.