Youth Blooms with Help from Friends First

"I love experiencing new things, meeting new people and making new friends," says Zitlaly, a 14-year-old Friends First mentee. "Friends First lets me go to places I've never been before."

Zitlaly has been a part of the Friends First Program at Mercy Home for the past four years. The 8^th grader, who earns straight A's, was recently accepted to the high school of her choice. "I'm looking forward to graduating and joining clubs in high school," said Zitlaly.

Friends First is a mentoring program at Mercy Home that matches adults one on one with at-risk youth in the community. Mentors and youth meet three to four times per month to go on outings to places like the zoo, the beach and even sporting events. Matches can make their own plans or attend events that the program coordinates. All of these things are made possible because of good friends like you.

Zitlaly and Elizabeth, her mentor of the past four years, enjoy outdoor activities. They have been to the theater, park and White Sox and Bears games. When the weather doesn't permit outdoor activities, the pair prefers to stay inside and make cookies, drink hot chocolate and play scrabble.

"I was new to Chicago and I wanted to find a way to give back to my community," says Elizabeth, about her involvement with Friends First. "I got lucky with Zitlaly, she's been open with me from day one."

Elizabeth has seen Zitlaly mature over the years and the two consider themselves good friends. "Zitlaly has gone from a quiet girl to a grown up," said Elizabeth. "I've seen her get better about making decisions and vocalize what she wants to do."

Zitlaly plans on continuing with Friends First throughout high school. "I would recommend this program to other kids my age," she said. "It's really good to see things you normally wouldn't have."

If you are interested in inspiring the life of a Chicago youth through the Friends First mentoring program, please call (312) 738-9560 or email us.