Empowering Families for
GENERATIONAL CHANGE
Our mentoring model is distinct, courageous, and proven.
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.
A Friend by My Side
Friends of the Children - Austin
Miya's story
Friends of the Children - New York
Our mentoring program is designed to uplift youth and families to create lasting change.
Here is how we do it:
- Professional Mentoring: We've revolutionized the youth mentoring field with the first and only long-term professional mentoring program in the country. Our mentors are trained professionals who provide dedicated, one-on-one support to youth, empowering them to set and achieve their goals.
- Two-Generation Approach: We understand that supporting youth also means supporting their caregivers. Our two-generation approach empowers caregivers to meet their own goals and reach their full potential. We support caregivers to understand their child's needs and strengths, equipping them with social and emotional learning skills and promoting self-advocacy within complex systems.
- Impactful Results: Caregivers have reported stronger family relationships, improved understanding of how to support their child’s success, and connections to vital resources that enrich and stabilize their families.
Our Impact
Stronger Family Relationships:
of caregivers reported stronger family relationships.
Improved School Success:
of caregivers reported improved understanding of how to support their child's school success.
Systems Navigation:
of caregivers reported support in systems navigation and advocacy.
Connections to Resources:
of caregivers reported connections to resources that enrich and stabilize their family.
Supporting Healthy Families
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