We recently asked one of our bilingual professional mentors, Chris, to describe how his cultural heritage impacts his work as a Friend. He shared, "For me being able to speak Spanish and remembering my roots is a big part of who I am. From the very beginning of my work as a professional mentor, caregivers seemed to take comfort in knowing that I can talk to them in their native language. If there's something they didn't feel confident saying in English, they knew they could say it in Spanish."

"Especially with one youth, Mateo*, when I first started working with him, he only spoke Spanish. He knew very basic words, like, "soccer" and "video games," just little words like that. So it really helped us build our relationship that I was able to talk to him in Spanish. He didn't have the pressure of needing to know English to talk to me. Step by step, outing by outing we would learn more and more English to the point where now he prefers to speak in English because he's learned so much. Every now and then he will forget how to say something and he'll ask, 'Chris, how do I say....?' It's been a really awesome thing to experience with Mateo," shares Chris.

We know that cultural connection and understanding help build the trust that is at the heart of every long-term mentoring relationship. When Friends can meet youth and families where they are — in language, in culture, and in community — it creates space for authentic relationships that nurture growth, confidence, and belonging. We are grateful for professional mentors like Chris and youth like Mateo, whose bilingual journeys remind us that language and culture are powerful bridges.

Strong, trusting relationships are the foundation of our long-term, intentional mentoring model. And we know that cultural connection and understanding are critical for building trust between Friends, youth, and caregivers. When mentors like Chris can communicate in a family’s native language, understand their traditions, and honor their lived experiences, it opens the door to genuine partnership. Families feel seen and supported, and youth gain the confidence to express themselves, explore new opportunities, and thrive.

Our Friends walk alongside each child through life’s challenges and successes — not just as mentors, but as consistent, caring adults who see their full potential. Cultural connection helps make those bonds stronger, ensuring every youth in our program knows: you belong, your story matters, and we’re with you no matter what.

*Youth name changed to protect privacy.