Friends of the Children Founder Duncan Campbell Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Friends of the Children founder Duncan Campbell was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Mentoring Summit’s Excellence in Mentoring ceremony on January 30, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The award recognizes Duncan’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to mentoring that has transformed the lives youth and families across the country.

“More than 30 years ago, I focused on the idea that just one long-term relationship can change a child’s life for the better,” said Campbell. “I’m so humbled and honored that Friends of the Children has grown from one chapter with 24 children being served by three professional mentors in Portland, OR, in 1993 to more than 40 sites across the country serving thousands of youth in urban, suburban, rural, and Indigenous communities.”

Duncan’s impact was recognized by national leaders, including U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), who said, “Duncan Campbell’s vision and determination have changed the trajectory of thousands of young lives toward hope and opportunities for successful futures.”

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) added, “His unwavering commitment to mentoring young Americans has set a standard for organizations nationwide.”

Today, Friends of the Children serves over 16,000 children and families in 42 locations, demonstrating lasting impact: 92% of graduates go on to enroll in post-secondary education, serve our country or enter the workforce, 83% of youth obtain a high school diploma or GED, 93% remain free from juvenile justice system involvement, and 98% wait to parent until after their teen years.

As Friends of the Children continues to grow, Duncan’s legacy as a trailblazer in long-term mentoring will inspire generations to come. To learn more about the Lifetime Achievement Award and the national leaders who joined in the celebration, read the full press release here.