This past weekend, we wrapped up another incredible mentoring year with our much-anticipated annual trip to the White Sox game, this time cheering them on against the Rangers. But for our 16 boys from Pirie Elementary (grades 3–6), this day wasn’t just about baseball. It was a celebration of growth, consistency, and the strength of community.
Pirie has been a Together Chicago mentoring site for five years, and the impact continues to deepen. Over the course of this school year, our mentoring sessions focused on five core Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies:
- Self-awareness
- Self-management
- Social awareness
- Relationship skills
- Responsible decision-making
These aren’t just concepts; they are lived experiences, and the results are tangible:
- Darnell shared how he’s getting into fewer disputes and feels more calm — a powerful milestone in emotional regulation.
- Jove, one of our youngest mentees, stepped into leadership by year’s end — modeling focus, discipline, and self-management in ways that inspired both peers and mentors.
What made this year’s celebration even more special was the presence of parents, siblings, our dedicated intern Spencer, and fellow mentors. Because at its core, mentoring is about building a village. It’s more impactful when it’s consistent, relational, and rooted in community.
As we look ahead to a new school year, we’re energized by the momentum. We are ready to go deeper, reach further, and welcome even more mentors into the journey. The harvest is plentiful — and the work matters.
Let’s keep showing up. One week at a time. One relationship at a time. And sometimes, one Sox game at a time.
Learn more about SEL-plus here.
