EMPOWER DREAMS.
CHANGE FUTURES.

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.

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A Friend by My Side

Friends of the Children - Austin

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Miya's story

Friends of the Children - New York

Discover the Transformative Power of Mentorship:

  • Proven Impact: Our program has revolutionized youth mentoring with a focus on long-term support, resulting in measurable positive outcomes.
  • Dedicated Mentors: Each child is paired with a dedicated, professional mentor who provides one-on-one support from kindergarten through high school graduation.
  • Empowering Relationships: Our mentors listen to youth, empower goal-setting, and create meaningful experiences to develop life skills and make healthy choices.

Our Outcomes

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92%

of youth go on to enroll in post-secondary education, serve our country or enter the workforce.

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90%

of youth earn a high school diploma or a GED.

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96%

of youth remain free from juvenile justice system involvement.

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95%

of youth wait to parent until after their teen years.

Be A Champion for Children

Sign up for our email list to stay connected and learn how you can empower youth with big dreams who also face obstacles like foster care, poverty, housing insecurity, and more. Together, we can build brighter futures and impact generational change, one child at a time.