Antonio* entered Friends of the Children as a kindergartner. When I started working with him, 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 tore the family apart. At about the same time his dad left the family, 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 two 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 makes friends easily. His outlook on life has completely changed. He is a kid who simply needed routine, structure, and someone he could count on. And that’s what Friends are for…

* Names have been changed to protect our children.  The stories do not correlate with the child pictured.