National Program Director Erica Reid Joins 2023 Summer Institute on Youth Mentoring

Friends of the Children’s National Program Director Erica Reid was selected to participate in the 14th annual Summer Institute on Youth Mentoring held at Portland State University this past July. This year’s event focused on the theme of “Mentoring to Address Loneliness and Social Isolation and Promote Inclusion and Belonging.”

Led by Thomas Keller – Duncan & Cindy Campbell Professor of Children, Youth & Families, School of Social Work, Portland State University, and Friends of the Children – National Board Member - the Institute fosters a think-tank atmosphere and explores program practice and innovation. Sessions this summer featured leading scholars and time for participants to discuss implications for program policies and critical mentoring issues such as loneliness, social isolation, inclusion, and belonging.

Presented by the Center for Internships, Mentoring & Research at Portland State University; MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership; and MENTOR Canada; the Institute aims to advance the field of youth mentoring. Friends- National is proud of Erica Reid being one of 30 professionals chosen for the Summer Institute on Youth Mentoring and are grateful for her leadership in paving the way for innovation and impact for our paid, professional mentoring model as we serve more youth and families nationwide!