Our model was founded on research showing that the single most important factor in overcoming childhood adversity is a
long-term, nurturing relationship with a consistent, caring adult.
Friends of the Children has redefined youth mentoring by creating the nation’s first and only long-term, professional mentoring program.
We pair children facing the greatest obstacles with full-time, paid professional mentors—called Friends—from pre-kindergarten through high school graduation — 12+ years, no matter what.
Like all children, the youth we serve have unique talents, varied interests, and big dreams. Unlike other programs, we focus exclusively on children who face systemic obstacles and have experienced significant adversity. Our youth have experienced multiple adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) by the time they reach kindergarten. We partner with community organizations, schools and foster care systems to help us identify children ages 4 to 6 who could most benefit from a relationship with a Friend.
Our Friends' full-time job is to empower and support youth and their caregivers. Moving mentorship out of the volunteer realm is key to getting the quality, consistency and commitment our children and their families deserve in the relationship. Each Friend works with eight to ten youth, spending three to four hours every week with or on behalf of each child.
We commit to every child for the long term, from pre-kindergarten through graduation. 12+ years, no matter what.
Each child gets a dedicated, one-to-one Friend who spends a minimum of 14 to 16 intentional hours per month with them. Friends and youth set goals and design activities that advance those goals and build life skills. Friends create meaningful experiences to explore each child's unique talents and interests. Friends of the Children has developed nine research-based Core Assets, which are specific qualities we focus on to ensure the social and emotional development of our youth.
We take a whole-child approach because we understand that lived experiences, home environment, systems, community and culture shape how a child develops and learns. Friends serve as a link between the different areas of a child's life to create stability and consistency – spending time in school as an advocate and support; time in their neighborhood to build connection and community; and time at home, becoming a trusted resource to the youth and their caregivers.
We are equal parts head and heart. Data from Friends, youth and caregivers help us continuously improve and do our best day-to-day work. Ongoing third-party research and evaluation drive program improvement and innovation. Right now, our model is the focus of two randomized controlled trials run by researchers from the University of Washington, the University of Texas, and Portland State University.
Friends are full-time, paid professionals who spend 3-4 hours every week with each child. They teach valuable life skills, model healthy behaviors, and create pathways to more choices and opportunities for youth.
