February 11, 2026
Friendly News: Celebrating Our Community
Winter Newsletter
Dear Community,
As we settle into a new year, I find myself reflecting on both the challenges and the strengths of the year behind us. Families across the Bay Area are increasingly navigating rising costs, food insecurity, unstable housing, and fewer resources in schools. These realities weigh heavily on the children and families we serve. And still, our community continues to show up with consistency, care, and belief in what is possible for young people.
Youth and the Mentors that support them, spent a day at Fenwick & West, where they participated in a fun mock trial case, Curly Pig vs. the Big Bad Wolf, along with trivia games and Q&As about the different professions within a law firm.
One highlight was "Law Day" at Fenwick & West, where youth in the program were welcomed into a professional environment that encouraged curiosity and confidence. Through a mock trial, games, and conversations with Fenwick & West employees, youth practiced critical thinking and explored how relationships and mentorship can shape long-term success. Hearing from a firm partner about how mentorship influenced his own path was a meaningful reminder of the impact consistent support can have over time.
The holidays also brought moments of creativity and hands-on learning. Community leader Ms. Bivett of Bayview’s Big Black Brunch hosted a gingerbread house-making competition and a cookie-making workshop, where youth practiced planning, measurement, and problem-solving while working with their hands. For many youth, these activities offered a chance to build confidence through baking, following steps, making adjustments, and seeing a project through from start to finish.
With the support of this incredible community, the year ahead is full of promise and potential.
With gratitude,
Susan Corlett
Executive Director
Youth and Mentors show off their completed gingerbread house. Projects like this build confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Stories That Inspire
Told by Our Mentors, Rooted in Our Core Assets
Confidence in Action
Aja has always been a little hard to read. Some days she’s open and playful on our outings, and other days it feels like we’re meeting for the first time. Building trust with her has been back and forth, but recently, she showed growth that was truly inspiring.
While we were out one day, Aja told me about a job opportunity she found on TikTok with SF City Parks’ Greenagers program. She said, “I really want to try, and I want your help.” The application was due that night, so we spent our outing building her first resume right there in the car. She didn’t realize that babysitting her cousins or helping with an afterschool program counted as real work experience. Together, we framed her experiences, talked about responsibility, showing up on time, and reliability. She even called her mom for support and got her on board, all on her own initiative.
For the first time in the three and a half years I’ve known her, Aja stepped up and took full ownership of a goal. She pushed through the overwhelm, followed through, and showed perseverance, grit, and independence. Watching her navigate this process, take initiative, and realize what she is capable of was incredible. Moments like this remind me why this program matters: with support and belief, children like Aja can discover their own strength.
*Names changed for privacy.
Core Assets from story: Growth Mindset, Self Determination, Perseverance & Grit, Problem Solving, Positive Relationship Building, and Hope. Learn more about our Core Assets here.
Thank you GLIDE for donating over 100 bags filled with delicious ingredients for the families of the youth we serve.
Community Support
We are deeply grateful to GLIDE, who donated holiday meal kits and toys to families served by Friends of the Children–SF Bay Area. The Giving Tree and Toys for Tots generously provided additional holiday gifts, bringing moments of joy and care to youth and families. These contributions helped ensure the season was met with dignity, warmth, and community support