Every child has hopes and dreams. Every child is full of promise. Every child needs support to reach their potential. 

At Friends of the Children-Chicago, we empower children in Chicago's neighborhoods impacted most by poverty and gun violence through relationships with salaried, Professional Mentors. We stay by their side for the long-term: 12.5 years. No Matter What. 

A Professional Mentor's full-time job is to support the social, emotional, and academic development of our youth. We work in all facets of our children's lives, building bridges between home, school, and community. Our Professional Mentors show up - week after week - month after month - year after year - and empower our youth to thrive.