The Chicago Bears Community All-Pros program recognizes nonprofit organizations driving meaningful impact across Chicagoland and Illinois. Community All-Pros align with the Chicago Bears' impact pillars of health equity, economic advancement, education and community safety, creating lasting change in the communities they serve.
Last Friday, representatives from Friends of the Children–Chicago arrived at Halas Hall expecting a final interview to make their case on why they should be selected. Instead, midway through the conversation, Chicago Bears defensive back Jonathan Owens entered the room to deliver an unexpected surprise, sharing that the decision had already been made and that Friends of the Children–Chicago had officially been selected as the 2025 Community All-Pros recipient.
"I'm at a loss for words because I was not expecting this outcome. We found out we were finalists, so I thought we would be here to talk about the work that we do. To learn that we actually won the award was incredibly overwhelming in the best way," said Phalon Carpenter, Program Director at Friends of the Children-Chicago. "This means so much to our organization, our families and, most importantly, our kids. The work we do is very intentional, and the impact we make on the lives of our families and youth is something we take great pride in. This award will allow us to continue that work, to keep showing up for our kids consistently, no matter what. It's hard work, but it's meaningful work, and this support helps make that possible."
Friends of the Children–Chicago was selected following an in-depth review by a Chicago Bears committee and Bears Season Ticket Holders. In celebration of the Chicago Bears' 106th season, Friends of the Children–Chicago will be formally recognized as the 2025 Community All-Pros recipient during the Chicago Bears' Inspire Change Game on Dec. 20 at Soldier Field, when the team host the Green Bay Packers.
"Friends of the Children–Chicago embodies what it means to be a Community All-Pro," said Tanesha Wade, Executive Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Impact Officer for the Chicago Bears. "Their long-term commitment to walking alongside youth and families, starting early and staying consistent 'No Matter What,' directly aligns with our impact pillars of education, health equity, economic advancement and community safety. We are proud to support an organization creating lasting, generational change across Chicago."
Friends of the Children–Chicago identifies children ages four to six who live in communities most impacted by poverty and gun violence and pairs them with paid, full-time professional mentors. Each child is supported for 12.5 years, from kindergarten through high school graduation and into early adulthood, through a commitment the organization defines as "No Matter What." Mentors work across all facets of a child's life, supporting social, emotional and academic development while building strong connections between home, school and community.
"Our organization serves youth primarily on the West Side and South Side of Chicago," said Felix Kombwa, Program Manager at Friends of the Children-Chicago. "Each child is paired with a mentor who stays with them for 12 years, no matter what. These are full-time, professional mentors who are paid a full-time salary, so support like this allows us to continue investing in both our mentors and our youth."
Founded in Chicago in 2018 to serve youth and families in Austin and North Lawndale, Friends of the Children–Chicago is part of a national network with more than 30 years of proven experience. Across the network, 92 percent of youth go on to enroll in post-secondary education, serve their country or enter the workforce, demonstrating the long-term effectiveness of the organization's model.
The $106,000 grant will support Friends of the Children–Chicago's mission of impacting generational change by empowering youth through long-term, trusting relationships with professional mentors, ensuring children have the resources, advocacy and support needed to unlock their full potential.
The Chicago Bears Community All-Pros Grant is part of the organization's broader commitment to community engagement, with a focus on education, youth development, health and wellness and social justice. By supporting organizations like Friends of the Children–Chicago, the Chicago Bears aim to create measurable, long-term impact across the communities they serve.
To learn more about the Community All-Pros program and Friends of the Children–Chicago, visit ChicagoBears.com/Community/All-Pros and friendschicago.org.
