Every fall I look forward to sharing our Impact Report with you because it does such an incredible job of showcasing the work of Friends of the Children and bringing you stories that inspire and help all of us see good in the world.

When I am describing the work of Friends of the Children to someone who isn’t familiar with our organization, there is invariably one moment when they stop in their tracks because they think they’ve misheard me; it is when I mention our commitment to walking alongside the youth we serve for
12+ years, no matter what.

Take a moment and think about what it means to support a child starting in kindergarten, through elementary school and middle school, and then until graduation from high school. Our trained, professional mentors—called Friends—empower youth to develop love of learning, discover what they want to do, and gain important life skills. They work through hard challenges together, practice reading and help with homework, and set big goals. They plan special outings and trips, which can spark a child’s imagination and new interests. They are there for them as they prepare for graduation, for job opportunities, and for college.

While our 12+ year commitment to youth is about empowering their growth as individuals, it is just as much about the power of relationships and the unconditional, years-long consistency that it takes to build trust. Youth and their families know they can count on Friends of the Children to be there for them throughout those many years—through the challenging times and the celebrations too.

I can’t wait for you to read the stories in this 2024 – 2025 Impact Report including one about Joshua, one of our first graduates from Friends of the Children – Tampa Bay, and the network community support that Friends of the Children – Coachella Valley is spearheading for a single mom and her family. You’ll learn how we are strengthening connection to traditions for Indigenous youth on the Flathead Reservation in Western Montana. You’ll read about our growing national network of 43 locations in urban, suburban, rural, and Indigenous communities across the country. You’ll also discover information about our funders, partners, and other champions who are helping make this work possible, including World Champion gymnast and youth advocate, Simone Biles.

The long-term commitment that Friends of the Children makes to youth and their families takes planning, intentionality, and resources. I hope that you will join us in walking alongside youth who have big dreams and who persevere through some of the toughest things in life, like foster care, poverty, housing insecurity, and more.

Thank you for reading these stories. We appreciate your support as we work to ensure that every child who needs a Friend has one, and that we keep our promises to every youth we commit to –
12+ years, no matter what.

Warmest Regards,