This document discusses the mentorship relationship between Daphne and Stephanie. It describes how Stephanie encourages Daphne's curiosity and love of learning. Daphne looks up to Stephanie and is motivated to work hard in school because of their time spent together exploring college opportunities. The document also discusses how mentors can inspire children to seek out new adventures and discoveries.

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T1 P1 SPOTLIGHT ON… mentees toward never-ending achievements. These
achievements are not always easy, but with the support of a
Diane Venzera Daphne & Stephanie mentor, they become possible.
Mercy Home For Boys & Girls Being open to learning also helps us understand the
In the words of Daphne discipline needed to reach the successes in life that we
1140 W Jackson Blvd Parra and her mentor desire. This summer, Daphne attended an Elmhurst College
Chicago IL 60607-2906 Stephanie Madden, we event and had the opportunity to explore different aspects
hope this article is very of being a college student. She was able to spend the night
AFFAADTTFFTTFFTAAADFTDDFDATTDFFAFDTAAFFFDFFAAADTTFTFDFTADFTTFATAF “intriguing!” While in a college dorm; talk to university students; participate in
talking with Stephanie a real college class; and take part in many other fun college
about this article, she activities. When I asked her what she learned she said, “A
shared that one of the college student told me that every grade counts. You have
ways she has seen to work hard in every assignment, project, grade, and get
Daphne increase her better each year to be prepared for college.” The best part
assets is by learning of the 2 day event for Daphne was seeing even more
and using new possibilities for her own life by this first hand college
vocabulary words. experience. Daphne is even more motivated to work hard in
Every time Daphne every class, because she now understands that every grade
hears Stephanie use a
Things that Make You Go “Hmmm”
counts and that colleges look at every semester.
word like “intriguing”
or “devious,” Daphne Daphne looks up to Stephanie not only because she is
quickly asks, “Stephanie, what does that mean?” already a professional but because of her positive way of
Your brain is probably your most important school “supply”! Be sure to eat well, exercise and get influencing kids. Stephanie’s advice to mentors is, “Don’t
plenty of sleep to help your brain bask in its brilliance! Check out these fun facts about Your When the thirst for knowledge and the desire to learn new stop being curious about different learning opportunities.
Amazing Brain... things grows within us, we are much more willing to explore Mentors often learn a lot during their outings.” At this point
 A world champion memorizer, Ben Pridmore, memorized 96 historical events in 5 minutes and new words, meanings, cultures and neighborhoods. Our in her life, Stephanie thinks Daphne is more outgoing and
memorized a single, shuffled deck of cards in 26.28 seconds. curiosity inspires us to seek out new adventures that help us more willing to try new things than she was at the same
discover hidden treasures along the way. This summer, as age. For adults, mentors, and leaders, igniting the fire to
 The average number of thoughts that humans are believed to experience each day is 70,000. Daphne and Stephanie were on their way to the air and water learn is one of the best gifts we can give our children.
 The old adage of humans only using 10% of their brain is no true. Every part of the brain has a known function. show, they got caught in a down pour. This prevented them Daphne also appreciates how sweet, patient and funny
 Juggling has shown to change the brain in as little as seven days. The study indicates that learning new things helps the from seeing the show but it also provided an opportunity for Stephanie is. Daphne also sees Stephanie as very balanced.
brain to change very quickly. them to find the hidden treasure in this unexpected event. As
 Music lessons have shown to considerably boost brain organization and ability in both children and adults. they sat and watched the rain for the next hour, they began to The love of learning has endless meanings and definitions
play guessing games. The only tools needed were the for everyone. Whether you prefer to read the newspaper,
 Reading aloud and talking often to a young child promotes brain development. calculator on Stephanie’s cell phone and some challenging subscribe to magazines, or follow your
 Children who learn two languages before the age of five have an altered brain structure. math problems. Daphne would ask Stephanie to divide 465 favorite artist on-line, you can always learn
 Laughing at a joke is no simple task as it requires activity in five different areas of the brain. by 37 without using a calculator. This might not seem like something new. Challenge yourself each
 Excessive stress can alter brain cells, brain structure and brain function. fun as it involves some thinking, concentration and some day in discovering anything and everything
math skills but they really enjoyed the activity and were able that life has to offer. Learn from your
 Einstein’s brain was similar in size to other humans except in the region that is responsible for math and spatial to learn, laugh, and conclude their game by celebrating at mentee, mentor, and those around you. Love
perception. In that region, his brain was 35% wider than average. ~ Amanda Sneed Margie’s Ice Cream. My how “intriguing!” of learning begins with curiosity,
accelerates into exploring your passion, and
F R I E N D S F I R S T
A newsletter dedicated to building and supporting Daphne and Stephanie also enjoying a recent visit to the Jane shines forth from you once you apply
the Friends First community of Mercy Home for Adams Hull House Museum where they learned how Jane yourself. ~ Alberto Paguada
Boys & Girls. For more information, please call Adams fought to make the world a better place by
(312) 738-7552 or visit www.mercyhome.org. addressing issues like children’s needs and public health. Friends First is a program of Mercy Home for Boys & Girls
Similar to Jane Adams’ vision, our mentors help guide our www.mercyhome.org

2. Let’s Grow Some New Neurons!
Humans continue to make new neurons throughout life in response to mental activity.
Brain Yoga Superbrain Yoga is a simple and effective technique to energize and re-
Brain yoga balances the left & right charge the brain. It's a scientifically validated method to help super-energize
hemispheres of the brain the brain and enhance its sharpness and clarity.
Pilot studies on the effects of Superbrain Yoga on school children include
children with disabilities such as ADHD/ADD, developmental and cogni-
tive delays, Downs Syndrome and specific learning disabilities. Children
studied showed significant increase in academic and behavioral perform-
ance, greater class participation and improved social skills.
How to do it:
 Take your left hand and hold your right earlobe with your left pointer
finger and thumb. Your left thumb should be on the front of your ear-
lobe. Make sure that the thumb nail is facing away from you.
 Take your right hand and hold your left earlobe with your pointer finger
and thumb. Once again, make sure that your thumb nail is facing away
from you.
 Press your tongue to the roof of your mouth as when saying LLLL.
 Inhale through your nose and slowly squat down to the ground. Stop
gently; do not bounce.
 Exhale through your mouth as you stand back up to a standing position.
Continue holding your earlobes and sticking your tongue to the roof of
your mouth as you perform this exercise.
 Repeat a total of 15 times every day. You may not notice a change
immediately, but after a few weeks an improvement in concentration
should become apparent. ~ Diane Venzera
More Fascinating Brain Facts...
Emotions. The capacity for such emotions as joy, happiness, fear, and shyness are already developed at birth. The
specific type of nurturing a child receives shapes how these emotions are developed. Without any words, you may be
able to determine if someone is in a good mood, is feeling sad, or is angry just by reading their face. A small area in the
brain called the amygdala is responsible for your ability to read someone else’s face for clues to how they are feeling.
Speed. Information can be processed as slowly as 0.5 meters/sec or as fast as 120 meters/sec
(about 268 miles an hour).
Wattage. While awake, your brain generates between 10 and 23 watts of power–or enough energy
to power a light bulb.
Memory. Reading faces. New connections. Every time you recall a memory or have a new
thought, you are creating a new connection in your brain.
Music. Music lessons have shown to considerably boost brain organization and ability in both children and adults.
Fun. You can’t tickle yourself because your brain distinguishes between unexpected external touch and your own touch.
~ Amanda Sneed

3. Brain Games...
Happy Anniversary!
While sitting down, lift your right foot off the
ground and make clockwise circles. Now, while October
doing this, draw the number “6” in the air with your
right hand. Your foot will change directions and Megan W. & Makayla B….. 10/04
there is nothing you can do about it. Ashley M. & Yvonne S…… 10/09
Patty S. & Dejah J……..….. 10/10
Kaye O. & Victoria R…….. 10/16
Jim J. & Daniel B…….…… 10/23
Peter R. & Jordan D…..….. 10/24
November
Lisa Z. & Kathleen P…...… 11/10
McKenzie D. & Najee N….. 11/12
Bart R. & Dantrell W…….. 11/20
Jennifer S. & Kelisha W….. 11/21
Donald I. & Lionel G…….. 11/22
Chris K. & Willie C….…… 11/29
December
How many legs does the elephant have? Melissa F. & Nancy V…….. 12/30
Paper Bag Book Cover Supplies Needed:
Going back to school is an exciting time for all. Students get to see their  Textbooks
friends, meet new teachers, and join their favorite after school activities  Paper bags or a roll of brown parcel paper
once again! Even school supply shopping can be fun – buying lots of fun
 Scissors
notebooks, colorful pens, and wacky erasers. And why not break in those
brand new markers and that fresh box of crayons by making your very  Tape / Glue
own book cover?! Most schools require that students protect their books  Markers, Colored Pencils
with some sort of casing so why not have a fun and customized cover?  Magazine cut outs
~Yaresi Lopez
How to Do It:
1. Cut open a brown paper shopping bag. Remove the flap formed by the bottom of the bag so that you
have one large sheet of brown paper.
2. Place the book in the center of the paper.
3. Wrap the paper up across the bottom of the book and make a crease along the bottom cover.
4. Repeat Step 3 for the top of the book.
5. Remove the book from the paper.
6. Fold the paper up at the bottom crease and down at the top crease. You should have a strip of paper big enough to cover the
book from top to bottom.
7. Place the book back in the center of the paper. Wrap the paper across the front of the book from left to right and adjust the
book position until the two ends of the paper are even.
8. Fold the overlap around the front cover of the book and make a crease. Then insert the front cover of the book into the slot
created by the paper folded over at the top and the bottom. Slide the paper down over the book until you hit the crease.
9. Repeat Step 8 for the back cover of the book.
10. If the cover fits snugly, you can stop at this point. If it seems a little loose or the top and bottom folds are not lying flat, you
can use small pieces of tape to pull the front and the inside flap together a little more securely.
11. Use the markers and magazine cut outs to decorate as you wish!! Be creative!

4. Your Sleeping Brain… Happy Birthday!! Friends First Friends First News
Commitment to Learning Friends First recently made a programmatic change
October November The Search Institute asset category, “Commitment to
designed to increase our ability to make more
Jacob B….…………... 10/06 Lizbeth A………….… 11/02 matches. We have changed our time commitment
Learning,” includes the assets: Achievement from 2-3 outings a month for 3-4 hours at a time on
TyJuan S……..……… 10/15 Daniel B………….….. 11/04 Motivation, School Engagement, Homework, Bonding weekends to a minimum of 8 hours each month. This
Kathleen P…...……… 10/17 Denira C…………….. 11/04 to School and Reading for Pleasure. The Institute change will allow our matches to get together on
Lionel G…….……….. 10/28 Jada K……………….. 11/04 further defines thriving in this area as the “…intrinsic weekends or weeknights, depending on their
 The best time for your brain to Maria M……...……… 10/30 Frank O……..………. 11/06 desire to explore new things, and enjoy challenges,” so availability. Please note that matches may not meet
consolidate all your memories from Robert R…………….. 11/08 commitment to learning isn’t just about school. just once a month for an eight hour outing.
the day may be while you sleep at
night. December There are many ways to spark an interest in learning YOU are our best spokespersons for referring youth
Isadora C……………. 12/06 outside of the classroom and to develop curiosity and and mentors to the program so please contact us if
 While you sleep, your body produces Ashley D……..………. 12/08 the tools to find out more about topics of interest. you have mentor or mentee candidates that you think
a hormone that may prevent you from Rico C……………….. 12/11 would enjoy being part of Friends First.
acting out your dreams, leaving you Daphne P…...……….. 12/20 Friends First Fun!
virtually paralyzed. The annual Women’s Luncheon in May hosted nearly Friends First Tidbits
We apologize if we have missed your birthday. 30 women from Mercy Home’s Residential, Friends Look for ways to engage in learning. For instance,
 If you are snoring, you are not Please let us know so we can add it to our calendar. First and AfterCare programs. The theme was consider planning an outing to Chinatown. First go
dreaming. Forgiveness. Save the date for the annual Women’s on an outing to the local public library, research
Retreat, which will take place October 29-30. China and the local history of Chicago’s Chinatown.
Invitations with further details will be mailed out soon. Then visit Chinatown, keeping an eye out for some of
Motivation & Education Several Friends First matches participated in the
the things you learned in your research. Finally,
enjoy an authentic meal.
Roger’s Park Art Wall this summer and painted a
The state of education is looking rather ominous these days. The frightening picture painted mural. The mural is wonderfully colorful and will be Chicago has a wealth of colleges and universities.
by various school officials indicates that close to fifty percent of our students in the public on display until next year’s event. You can check it out Whether you attended school here or not, consider a
school system will not graduate from high school. A good percentage of students will not be by visiting Loyola Beach Park at 1230 W. Greenleaf in campus outing. This doesn’t have to be a formal
able to read or write even after they graduate. The drop out rate is now beginning before Chicago. campus tour. Find the student union and have a soda.
students reach the age of eleven. And the children leaving the schools often are co-opted into Is there a free art museum or a theater performance
the world of gang membership and violent crime. This is bad news. Friends First matches enjoyed time at the Friends First on the campus? What does the rec center offer? Get
camping trip at Camp Henry Horner where they learned your mentee excited about college! ~ Mary Quinn
The good news is that this does not need to happen. Many children lack the motivation to a lot about themselves and about teamwork.
stay in school and learn. They have a difficult time making the connection between school Throughout the summer, some of our mentees headed
and the real world in their neighborhood. They may have low math and reading scores, but off to one week sessions at Holiday Home Camp in Welcome New Matches!
even if they improve, they do not comprehend how it is important in their every day lives. Wisconsin.
The first response of a volunteer or family member often is centered on tutoring the mentee We are pleased to welcome these new
on his school work. They want to spend the time helping them build their academic skills. Three Friends First mentees joined Mercy Home’s matches and wish them all the best as they
Even though this is extremely important, the volunteer now seems to be an adjunct to the school in the child’s eye and After School Program for a 3-day, 2-night visit to start an exciting year together:
suddenly the relation loses the purpose of having fun and exploring. Elmhurst College. During the “college plunge,”
students were exposed to college life including Ellayne F. & Breanna K.….. 6/10
The Friends First Program wants to know the needs of the child and will do whatever possible to find a tutor or even attending actual classes and staying in the dorms as Bill B. & Devin R……….….. 6/16
visit the school with a parent to review possible educational alternatives. The volunteer’s time is limited with a child, well as spending time with college students who shared
but instead of tutoring, the valuable time could be spent motivating the child. It is an extremely important task. The Janie F. & Ana E……...…… 7/14
their stories and experiences.
volunteer is not turning away from the educational needs of the child. Rather, there is a redirection of effort. Motivation Mike F. & Frank O….……. 7/16
is a critical asset that children will need throughout their lives. It is not wrong to discuss problems in school or In an effort to seek resources for seniors, Friends First
Rick C. & DeWayne B……. 7/25
encourage children to do their homework. It is even good to go to a library or spend time reading a book. It can be staff members visited Mathers Café, a café that serves Justin M. & Aimiose I.…….. 8/07
valuable for a child to walk the college campus or review the world of work with a sense of looking to the future. as a restaurant, gathering place, computer lab and Rowena C. & Olphi M……...8/11
training and support center for Aundrea A. & Lesly E………8/22
We view the educational needs of the children matched in the Friends First Program to be critical for their success and seniors. There are three locations: Stacey S. & Samantha M…...8/28
development and there have been numerous examples of the importance of volunteers in their overall advancement. 7134 W. Higgins Avenue, 3235 N. Kina D. & Lakya P………….8/31
Our staff members have had the privilege of attending many graduation and award ceremonies and countless times the Central Avenue, and 33 E. 83rd
children have mentioned the importance of the Friends First mentors in their lives. The motivation and character Street. Check out their website:
provided by these volunteers seems to be their greatest gift. In a very real sense, the volunteer may have been their best http://www.matherlifeways.com.
teacher. ~ Br. Paul McDonough We love your match stories so please keep
sharing them with us!