Simone Biles Inspires Friends of the Children Youth in National Zoom Call

In celebration of National Foster Care Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, World Champion gymnast and youth advocate Simone Biles joined youth from across the Friends of the Children’s national network for an unforgettable Zoom call this May.

Simone, who has been a proud champion of Friends of the Children for several years, opened the call by sharing her personal experience with foster care and why she’s passionate about supporting our mission.

“I love Friends of the Children so much because you guys have mentors - your Friends - who believe in you, and that you can do anything you put your minds to,” Simone said. “And I get to meet some of you as I travel around the U.S. and visit your chapters. It’s amazing to let everyone know how great your Friends are.”

Youth from across the country lit up the screen as they asked Simone thoughtful questions about her life, gymnastics, resilience, and how she stays grounded - sparking such heartfelt conversations and plenty of smiles from youth and Simone. A graduate of the Friends of the Children program even had the chance to ask Simone about how mentorship helped shape her path.

Throughout the call, Simone led the group in empowering mental health exercises, including calming breathing techniques and powerful affirmations. Together, they repeated:

I am beautiful

I am handsome

I am smart

I am strong

I can do hard things

I am brave

I am one of one

Thank you to Simone for once again joining Friends of the Children on this National Zoom call to uplift National Foster Care and Mental Health Awareness Month. We are so grateful to Simone for continuing to show up for our youth with her whole heart and reminding every child in our program that they are one of one.