Friends of the Children Kicks Off National Foster Care Month and Mental Health Awareness Month 2025

This May, Friends of the Children proudly joins the nationwide campaigns to honor National Foster Care Month and Mental Health Awareness Month - two causes deeply connected to our mission of walking alongside children and families facing the greatest obstacles.

For more than 30 years, Friends of the Children has delivered long-term, relationship-based support to youth through our paid, professional mentoring model. Our Friends build lasting, consistent relationships with youth for 12+ years, no matter what. These relationships are proven to help prevent foster care entry, support youth reuniting with family, and strengthen mental and emotional well-being over time.

Youth in our program are often at a greater risk for both mental health challenges and involvement in foster care. That’s why we remain committed to early intervention, healing-centered approach, and fostering strong, stable connections. In fact, 86% of youth served by Friends of the Children report having an adult outside school that they can count on for help, and 85% have a friend they can be themselves around—and for many, it’s their Professional Mentor. This connection matters: 96% of youth make progress on their social-emotional development, and 70% of teens access counseling services when they need them.

We’re once again partnering with advertising company Billups to spread this message across the country. Through their generous donation of thousands of digital placements in more than 20 cities, the campaign’s theme - Be a Champion for Children - featuring World Champion gymnast and youth advocate Simone Biles, will appear in high-visibility spaces like digital billboards, bus stops, and taxis.

Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing stories from across our national network that highlight how Friends are walking alongside youth and caregivers to help them thrive. Be sure to follow along on social media and join the conversation using:

#PutChildrenFirst #MentalHealthMatters #FosterOurFuture

Together, we’re working toward a future where every child has the support they need to be safe, well, and free to dream big.

Learn more about our work in foster care here.

Learn more about our work in mental health here.