November 26, 2025
Learning Takes Time
We Stay, No Matter What
When Mateo joined Friends of the Children–SF Bay Area at 6 years old, he barely spoke. His school assumed he needed to be placed in a special education class. No one saw how much he struggled to be understood.
However, Benjamin, his Professional Mentor, noticed Mateo’s quiet curiosity and knew he needed help finding his voice. Benjamin advocated for speech therapy, guided Mateo’s caregiver through confusing school paperwork, and made sure Mateo received the support he needed.
Slowly, Mateo began to find his voice. He gained confidence, improved academically, and discovered a love for animals.
Today, Mateo is a high school freshman who has made the honor roll four times and earned straight A’s in his first semester. Mateo’s story is about the impact a supportive adult can have on a child.
Mateo has been in our program for eight years, and his Professional Mentor has watched him grow, supported him through challenges, and will continue to support him through the remaining four years to complete our 12+ year commitment to every single youth enrolled in our program. No matter what!
Will you help us grow our program and ensure more children have the support they need to grow academically, no matter what?
Yes! I'll Give
A Mentor and youth in our program shown here three years into their 12+ year journey. (not pictured: Mateo and Benjamin).
The same youth and Mentor pictured above is now in the eighth year of his 12+ year journey with Friends of the Children–SF Bay Area (not pictured: Benjamin and Mateo).
*Names have been changed for privacy