In 1993, founder Duncan Campbell first committed to the idea that just one stable, long-term relationship can change a child’s life for the better. Today, paid, professional mentors are gaining national recognition for their ability to address the unique educational, social and behavioral health needs of children and families facing the toughest challenges in communities across the country.

In honor of that legacy, this year Friends of the Children broke ground on the Duncan and Cindy Campbell National Center of Excellence for Professional Youth Mentoring.

More than a building, the National Center of Excellence will soon establish itself as the destination for evidence-sharing and innovation in professional youth mentoring for researchers and practitioners nationally and world-wide. The National Center of Excellence will be located in Portland’s historic Albina neighborhood and will be completed in fall of 2026. In addition to serving as a gathering space for youth and families at the Friends of the Children – Portland chapter, the building will be a hub for training and technical assistance, as well as research and innovation.

“There is a distinct need across the nation for programs that support young people facing issues daily like homelessness, mental health challenges, and foster care,” said Gary Rood who, with his wife Christine, invested $5 million to help make the National Center of Excellence a reality. “The center will not only ensure more children have a friend, but also ensure vulnerable children and communities are getting the resources they need to succeed.”