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Diane VenzeraMercy Home For Boys & Girls1140 W Jackson BlvdChicago IL 60607-2906AFFAADTTFFTTFFTAAADFTDDFDATTDFFAFDTAAFFFDFFAAADTTFTFDFTADFTTFATAF

Things that Make You Go “Hmmm”

F R I E N D S F I R S T A newsletter dedicated to building and supporting the Friends First community of Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. For more information, please call (312) 738-7552 or visit www.mercyhome.org.

F R I E N D S F I R S T1140 W. Jackson Boulevard Chicago, IL 60607-2906

Non-Profit Org. U.S POSTAGE

PAID Chicago, IL

Permit No. 1513

Your brain is probably your most important school “supply”! Be sure to eat well, exercise and get plenty of sleep to help your brain bask in its brilliance! Check out these fun facts about Your Amazing Brain... A world champion memorizer, Ben Pridmore, memorized 96 historical events in 5 minutes and memorized a single, shuffled deck of cards in 26.28 seconds. The average number of thoughts that humans are believed to experience each day is 70,000.

The old adage of humans only using 10% of their brain is no true. Every part of the brain has a known function. Juggling has shown to change the brain in as little as seven days. The study indicates that learning new things helps the

brain to change very quickly. Music lessons have shown to considerably boost brain organization and ability in both children and adults. Reading aloud and talking often to a young child promotes brain development. Children who learn two languages before the age of five have an altered brain structure. Laughing at a joke is no simple task as it requires activity in five different areas of the brain. Excessive stress can alter brain cells, brain structure and brain function. Einstein’s brain was similar in size to other humans except in the region that is responsible for math and spatial

perception. In that region, his brain was 35% wider than average. ~ Amanda Sneed

F R I E N D S F I R S T

SPOTLIGHT ON… Daphne & Stephanie

In the words of Daphne Parra and her mentor Stephanie Madden, we hope this article is very “intriguing!” While talking with Stephanie about this article, she shared that one of the ways she has seen Daphne increase her assets is by learning and using new vocabulary words. Every time Daphne hears Stephanie use a word like “intriguing” or “devious,” Daphne

quickly asks, “Stephanie, what does that mean?” When the thirst for knowledge and the desire to learn new things grows within us, we are much more willing to explore new words, meanings, cultures and neighborhoods. Our curiosity inspires us to seek out new adventures that help us discover hidden treasures along the way. This summer, as Daphne and Stephanie were on their way to the air and water show, they got caught in a down pour. This prevented them from seeing the show but it also provided an opportunity for them to find the hidden treasure in this unexpected event. As they sat and watched the rain for the next hour, they began to play guessing games. The only tools needed were the calculator on Stephanie’s cell phone and some challenging math problems. Daphne would ask Stephanie to divide 465 by 37 without using a calculator. This might not seem like fun as it involves some thinking, concentration and some math skills but they really enjoyed the activity and were able to learn, laugh, and conclude their game by celebrating at Margie’s Ice Cream. My how “intriguing!” Daphne and Stephanie also enjoying a recent visit to the Jane Adams Hull House Museum where they learned how Jane Adams fought to make the world a better place by addressing issues like children’s needs and public health. Similar to Jane Adams’ vision, our mentors help guide our

mentees toward never-ending achievements. These achievements are not always easy, but with the support of a mentor, they become possible. Being open to learning also helps us understand the discipline needed to reach the successes in life that we desire. This summer, Daphne attended an Elmhurst College event and had the opportunity to explore different aspects of being a college student. She was able to spend the night in a college dorm; talk to university students; participate in a real college class; and take part in many other fun college activities. When I asked her what she learned she said, “A college student told me that every grade counts. You have to work hard in every assignment, project, grade, and get better each year to be prepared for college.” The best part of the 2 day event for Daphne was seeing even more possibilities for her own life by this first hand college experience. Daphne is even more motivated to work hard in every class, because she now understands that every grade counts and that colleges look at every semester. Daphne looks up to Stephanie not only because she is already a professional but because of her positive way of influencing kids. Stephanie’s advice to mentors is, “Don’t stop being curious about different learning opportunities. Mentors often learn a lot during their outings.” At this point in her life, Stephanie thinks Daphne is more outgoing and more willing to try new things than she was at the same age. For adults, mentors, and leaders, igniting the fire to learn is one of the best gifts we can give our children. Daphne also appreciates how sweet, patient and funny Stephanie is. Daphne also sees Stephanie as very balanced. The love of learning has endless meanings and definitions for everyone. Whether you prefer to read the newspaper, subscribe to magazines, or follow your favorite artist on-line, you can always learn something new. Challenge yourself each day in discovering anything and everything that life has to offer. Learn from your mentee, mentor, and those around you. Love of learning begins with curiosity, accelerates into exploring your passion, and shines forth from you once you apply yourself. ~ Alberto Paguada

Friends First is a program of Mercy Home for Boys & Girls www.mercyhome.org

Fall 2011

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

Let’s Grow Some New Neurons!

Humans continue to make new neurons throughout life in response to mental activity.

Brain Yoga

Brain yoga balances the left & right hemispheres of the brain

Superbrain Yoga is a simple and effective technique to energize and re-charge the brain. It's a scientifically validated method to help super-energize 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

Paper Bag Book Cover Going back to school is an exciting time for all. Students get to see their friends, meet new teachers, and join their favorite after school activities once again! Even school supply shopping can be fun – buying lots of fun 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 own book cover?! Most schools require that students protect their books with some sort of casing so why not have a fun and customized cover? ~Yaresi Lopez

Brain Games...

How many legs does the elephant have?

Happy Anniversary!

October

Megan W. & Makayla B….. 10/04 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

Melissa F. & Nancy V…….. 12/30

Supplies Needed: Textbooks Paper bags or a roll of brown parcel paper Scissors Tape / Glue Markers, Colored Pencils Magazine cut outs

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!

While sitting down, lift your right foot off the ground and make clockwise circles. Now, while doing this, draw the number “6” in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change directions and there is nothing you can do about it.

Motivation & Education The state of education is looking rather ominous these days. The frightening picture painted by various school officials indicates that close to fifty percent of our students in the public school system will not graduate from high school. A good percentage of students will not be able to read or write even after they graduate. The drop out rate is now beginning before students reach the age of eleven. And the children leaving the schools often are co-opted into the world of gang membership and violent crime. This is bad news. The good news is that this does not need to happen. Many children lack the motivation to stay in school and learn. They have a difficult time making the connection between school and the real world in their neighborhood. They may have low math and reading scores, but even if they improve, they do not comprehend how it is important in their every day lives. The first response of a volunteer or family member often is centered on tutoring the mentee on his school work. They want to spend the time helping them build their academic skills.

Even though this is extremely important, the volunteer now seems to be an adjunct to the school in the child’s eye and suddenly the relation loses the purpose of having fun and exploring. The Friends First Program wants to know the needs of the child and will do whatever possible to find a tutor or even visit the school with a parent to review possible educational alternatives. The volunteer’s time is limited with a child, but instead of tutoring, the valuable time could be spent motivating the child. It is an extremely important task. The volunteer is not turning away from the educational needs of the child. Rather, there is a redirection of effort. Motivation is a critical asset that children will need throughout their lives. It is not wrong to discuss problems in school or encourage children to do their homework. It is even good to go to a library or spend time reading a book. It can be valuable for a child to walk the college campus or review the world of work with a sense of looking to the future. We view the educational needs of the children matched in the Friends First Program to be critical for their success and development and there have been numerous examples of the importance of volunteers in their overall advancement. Our staff members have had the privilege of attending many graduation and award ceremonies and countless times the children have mentioned the importance of the Friends First mentors in their lives. The motivation and character provided by these volunteers seems to be their greatest gift. In a very real sense, the volunteer may have been their best teacher. ~ Br. Paul McDonough

Happy Birthday!!

October Jacob B….…………... 10/06 TyJuan S……..……… 10/15 Kathleen P…...……… 10/17 Lionel G…….……….. 10/28 Maria M……...……… 10/30

November Lizbeth A………….… 11/02 Daniel B………….….. 11/04 Denira C…………….. 11/04 Jada K……………….. 11/04 Frank O……..………. 11/06 Robert R…………….. 11/08

December Isadora C……………. 12/06 Ashley D……..………. 12/08 Rico C……………….. 12/11 Daphne P…...……….. 12/20

We apologize if we have missed your birthday.

Please let us know so we can add it to our calendar.

Your Sleeping Brain…

The best time for your brain to consolidate all your memories from the day may be while you sleep at night.

While you sleep, your body produces

a hormone that may prevent you from acting out your dreams, leaving you virtually paralyzed.

If you are snoring, you are not

dreaming.

Friends First Commitment to Learning

The Search Institute asset category, “Commitment to Learning,” includes the assets: Achievement Motivation, School Engagement, Homework, Bonding to School and Reading for Pleasure. The Institute further defines thriving in this area as the “…intrinsic desire to explore new things, and enjoy challenges,” so commitment to learning isn’t just about school. There are many ways to spark an interest in learning outside of the classroom and to develop curiosity and the tools to find out more about topics of interest. Friends First Fun!

The annual Women’s Luncheon in May hosted nearly 30 women from Mercy Home’s Residential, Friends First and AfterCare programs. The theme was Forgiveness. Save the date for the annual Women’s Retreat, which will take place October 29-30. Invitations with further details will be mailed out soon. Several Friends First matches participated in the Roger’s Park Art Wall this summer and painted a mural. The mural is wonderfully colorful and will be on display until next year’s event. You can check it out by visiting Loyola Beach Park at 1230 W. Greenleaf in Chicago. Friends First matches enjoyed time at the Friends First camping trip at Camp Henry Horner where they learned a lot about themselves and about teamwork. Throughout the summer, some of our mentees headed off to one week sessions at Holiday Home Camp in Wisconsin. Three Friends First mentees joined Mercy Home’s After School Program for a 3-day, 2-night visit to Elmhurst College. During the “college plunge,” students were exposed to college life including attending actual classes and staying in the dorms as well as spending time with college students who shared their stories and experiences. In an effort to seek resources for seniors, Friends First staff members visited Mathers Café, a café that serves as a restaurant, gathering place, computer lab and training and support center for seniors. There are three locations: 7134 W. Higgins Avenue, 3235 N. Central Avenue, and 33 E. 83rd Street. Check out their website: http://www.matherlifeways.com.

We love your match stories so please keep sharing them with us!

Friends First News

Friends First recently made a programmatic change designed to increase our ability to make more matches. We have changed our time commitment from 2-3 outings a month for 3-4 hours at a time on weekends to a minimum of 8 hours each month. This change will allow our matches to get together on weekends or weeknights, depending on their availability. Please note that matches may not meet just once a month for an eight hour outing. YOU are our best spokespersons for referring youth and mentors to the program so please contact us if you have mentor or mentee candidates that you think would enjoy being part of Friends First. Friends First Tidbits

Look for ways to engage in learning. For instance, consider planning an outing to Chinatown. First go on an outing to the local public library, research China and the local history of Chicago’s Chinatown. Then visit Chinatown, keeping an eye out for some of the things you learned in your research. Finally, enjoy an authentic meal. Chicago has a wealth of colleges and universities. Whether you attended school here or not, consider a campus outing. This doesn’t have to be a formal campus tour. Find the student union and have a soda. Is there a free art museum or a theater performance on the campus? What does the rec center offer? Get your mentee excited about college! ~ Mary Quinn

Welcome New Matches!

We are pleased to welcome these new matches and wish them all the best as they

start an exciting year together:

Ellayne F. & Breanna K.….. 6/10 Bill B. & Devin R……….….. 6/16 Janie F. & Ana E……...…… 7/14 Mike F. & Frank O….……. 7/16 Rick C. & DeWayne B……. 7/25 Justin M. & Aimiose I.…….. 8/07 Rowena C. & Olphi M……...8/11 Aundrea A. & Lesly E………8/22 Stacey S. & Samantha M…...8/28 Kina D. & Lakya P………….8/31