Finding Hope and Healing Through Connection: Jayden’s Journey with His Friend Stephen

Jayden*, now 18-years-old, has been enrolled with Friends of the Children – Boston since kindergarten. For the past seven years, his Friend – paid, professional mentor – Stephen has been a consistent source of support in Jayden’s life. One of Jayden’s favorite things to do with Stephen is to play video games. But beyond the fun, Stephen has been a lifeline to Jayden when he has faced some of his toughest moments.

During the early part of his junior year, Jayden struggled with his mental health and experienced thoughts of self-harm. Stephen not only provided Jayden with a safe space to open up about his feelings but also took immediate action to ensure his safety.

“He reminded me that things would get better,” Jayden shares. “That with help, I could get through it – that what I was feeling wasn’t the only way.” Together, they worked through coping strategies and facilitated communication between Jayden and his family members, bridging a gap that once felt impossible to cross.

Now, as Jayden approaches graduation, he feels hopeful about the future. He looks forward to having more independence and exploring his passions beyond school. Jayden has also started to give back by helping younger kids at the Friends - Boston clubhouse and enjoys feeling like he is becoming a mentor himself

For Jayden, Friends of the Children is more than just a program - it is a place where he feels safe, supported, and seen, no matter what life brings. “Friends of the Children gave me a second family - a place to go when I felt uneasy or unsafe,” Jayden says. “There’s always somewhere to go and someone who cares.”

At Friends of the Children, we know that connection and consistent, positive relationships can be life-changing for youth facing great obstacles. Our Friends are trained to implement actionable strategies to support youth with mental health challenges – everything from practicing tools that promote self-regulation and safety to increasing access to specialized supports when needed. Jayden’s journey highlights how professional mentoring can build resilience, foster well-being and connection, and change lives. Learn more about our work in mental health here.

*Name changed to protect privacy