“Antonio* entered Friends of the Children as a kindergartner. When I started working with him that year, Antonio was overweight, behind in all subjects (especially reading and writing) and his self-esteem was suffering.

Antonio’s father drank heavily which made his behavior towards his family inconsistent and often menacing. His inability to be a loving and supportive father and husband eventually broke the family apart. Five years after Antonio was born, his father left. At about the same time, Antonio’s aunt was murdered in what seemed to be a drug deal gone wrong. Antonio’s mother worked days and went to school at night, so Antonio spent a lot of time alone. He needed more attention than he was getting and was especially missing the love and care of a positive male role model.

I have been Antonio’s mentor for almost five years and have seen a complete change in him over that time. By teaching him basic life skills, like how to brush his teeth and wash up, and by providing him with consistent, one-on-one attention, I am helping Antonio grow into a responsible and confident young man. Antonio is now active in school sports, has a 3.0 grade point average, is very comfortable around adults and peers (makes friends easily), and has an overall positive outlook on life. He is a kid who simply needed routine, structure and someone he could count on.”

* These stories are real. Names have been changed to protect our children.