HOW IT ALL BEGAN:
Friends of the Children was established in 1993 by entrepreneur Duncan Campbell and his wife, Cindy Campbell, in Portland, Oregon. The Campbells purchased a school building – located in the same Northeast Portland Albina neighborhood where Duncan experienced a challenging childhood.
In 1992, extensive research clearly indicated that the strongest protective factor a child can have is a long-term, nurturing relationship with a consistent and caring adult.
Friends of the Children has developed a strong reputation based on the proven, measurable outcomes for youth facing the greatest challenges in life. What began with three paid, professional mentors and 24 children has grown to serve thousands of children and families across the country.
“I believe people have a responsibility to reach back and take care of others, so that they can break the cycle of poverty and become self-reliant, contributing citizens… all through the power of relationships.”
– Duncan Campbell, Founder
HOW IT WORKS:
Our model is bold and distinct. Friends of the Children is the only long-term professional mentoring program in the country, committed to walking alongside youth for 12+ years.
We enroll children who could most benefit from a relationship with a mentor. Community partners, like schools, help us invite children ages 4 to 6 to join our program. The youth we serve have unique talents, varied interests, and big dreams!
Our Friends are special and amazing.
They are full-time, paid professionals trained in the art & science of mentoring. Their commitment to our long-term model offers quality and consistency to our youth and families.
Relationships are the key.
We focus on building trust and fostering resilience through 1:1 relationships from pre-kindergarten to high school graduation. 12+ years, no matter what.
THE POWER OF ONE:
Every child, no matter who they are or where they live, has dreams of doing big things. Any child in any situation can succeed, even those facing the most obstacles. Our youth go on to become leaders in their communities and successful in their careers. This has ripple effects on their siblings, peers, neighbors, and their children, breaking the cycle of generational poverty.
Our work is individualized and intentional.
Friends help youth find their unique sparks and navigate personal challenges. Through goal setting and skill-building, Friends provide “no matter what” support inspiring change and possibility.
We work with youth in school, at home, and in the community.
We take a whole-child, two-generation impact approach because we understand that lived experiences, home environment, communities, and culture shape how youth grow and learn.
OUR GRADUATES:
Graduates from Friends of the Children are curious, courageous, resourceful, and resilient. They are future leaders. They are full of promise, and they inspire us every day.
More than 90% of our program graduates go on to accomplish what we refer to as our “3Es”—enrollment in post-secondary education, enlistment in the military, or employment in living-wage work.
Our goal is that youth graduate from our program with the skills and tools they need for success in their lives, whatever path they choose. We collect data so we can measure and improve our program. Youth at Friends of the Children are proud of their accomplishments, just as we are proud of them.